A small introduction

About Us

The Foundation was founded and named in memory of Peggy Nesta Sharpley, a woman of rare value. She was a woman who cherished family values and made every effort to come to the aid of less fortunate family members by taking in youngsters to ensure that they had a chance at a better life. This was not an easy task as she had to feed, clothe and provide for their schooling needs, as well as those of her own children. This was a remarkable feat for a single mother of four to also provide a haven and hope for other young people. Another endearing memory is her bountifulness at meal-times. ‘Small measures’ was not in her vocabulary. No-one was turned away and when she fed you, she did so with all that she had.

Her relationship with God was precious to her and this can be seen in the lives and values that are evident today in her children – men and women who have charted out lives for themselves – successful in their own rights – but nevertheless grounded in God, as their mother would have wanted.

She was not someone that could be ignored. She has made her mark. Her legacy lives on in the smiles of her daughters – in the strength of her sons and in the laughter of her grandchildren. And now – in the Foundation – the vision of her son, Gaster who recognised the need to continue her legacy of charitable good works in a more formalized way. The programs of the Foundation are at the very core of those issues that were dear to Peggy Nesta: respect for the elderly, a genuine concern for the youth and compassion for those less fortunate.

A small introduction

About Us

The Foundation was founded and named in memory of Peggy Nesta Sharpley, a woman of rare value. She was a woman who cherished family values and made every effort to come to the aid of less fortunate family members by taking in youngsters to ensure that they had a chance at a better life. This was not an easy task as she had to feed, clothe and provide for their schooling needs, as well as those of her own children. This was a remarkable feat for a single mother of four to also provide a haven and hope for other young people. Another endearing memory is her bountifulness at meal-times. ‘Small measures’ was not in her vocabulary. No-one was turned away and when she fed you, she did so with all that she had.

Her relationship with God was precious to her and this can be seen in the lives and values that are evident today in her children – men and women who have charted out lives for themselves – successful in their own rights – but nevertheless grounded in God, as their mother would have wanted.

She was not someone that could be ignored. She has made her mark. Her legacy lives on in the smiles of her daughters – in the strength of her sons and in the laughter of her grandchildren. And now – in the Foundation – the vision of her son, Gaster who recognised the need to continue her legacy of charitable good works in a more formalized way. The programs of the Foundation are at the very core of those issues that were dear to Peggy Nesta: respect for the elderly, a genuine concern for the youth and compassion for those less fortunate.

GASTER SHARPLEY

GASTER SHARPLEY

Dr Gaster Sharpley was born in Mthatha, Eastern Cape South Africa and began schooling in Qumbu. During high school in Wentworth Durban, Gaster served as an activist on various student organisations during the 1980s. He ran several small businesses and has served the South African public in various portfolios. First as an activist in student politics and then ward councillor and executive chairperson on the Mthatha City Council from 1995 – 2000. He moved on to become the first CEO of the Buffalo City Development Agency in 2005 and later the Municipal Manager at the same institution. Gaster served as Head of Department of Human Settlements Eastern Cape from 2010 – 2018. He is currently the Head of Department for Public Works in KZN.
Gaster holds a Masters Degree from the University of Fort Hare and a PHD from the University of the Western Cape.
Gaster has written 11 books on a range of subjects from 2004. His writing is conversational and easy reading that will appeal to all. Married to Lélanie, they have 2 sons, Johnathan and Garth and 3 grandchildren, Jazmine, Noah and Nala. He is well travelled and a passionate motivational and public speaker.
Gaster is the founding member of the Peggy Nesta Foundation and is a community builder.

LIEVERSHIA RORICH

LIEVERSHIA RORICH

Born in Mthatha, Lievershia Rorich is a founding member and the general manager of the Peggy Nesta Foundation as well as a wife and mother of four. “Being part of this organisation whose sole purpose is to serve and be a blessing to the less fortunate in our community. I have had the honour of seeing smiles, tears and sheer joy on the faces of the people we deal with. Smiles for a plate of food, joy for knowing that a child can be educated through our programme and tears when a disabled person and their family are so grateful for the wheelchair they receive ( this is what makes it worthwhile). Children, aged and disabled are very close to not only my heart but I would think the PNF team as a whole and our volunteers.

LELANIE SHARPLEY

LELANIE SHARPLEY

Lelanie Laurie Sharpley was born in Kokstad, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa. Lelanie is a founding member and director of the Peggy Nesta Foundation. A Designer by profession, Lelanie is the sole owner and runs Laurie Shaw, A company that has three business components including Hard Hat Trucking. Lelanie is married to Gaster Sharpley and has two sons, Johnathan, Garth and two grandkids, Jazmine and Noah. She is hands on in the operations of the foundation and particularly passionate about the programmes.