Madge du Preez
Transformational leader, author, and coach dedicated to empowering youth and women through life-directing programs and creative writing workshops.
Visit Sunflower Seeds Project
The Sunflower Seeds Project
Our Mission
Founded in January 2019, The Sunflower Seeds Project (NPC 2019/226041/08) offers life-directing courses designed to bring out the best in others. We connect with the unconnected and light human candles who can in turn light the world.
Core Programs
  • Guide to Personal Success (GPS) for high school learners
  • God's Emerging Miracle (GEM) for women
  • Creative writing workshops
  • Life skills training and growth coaching
Our philosophy is strengthened by the growth cycle of the sunflower and underpinned by David Taylor's 'Formula for Success' theory from "The Naked Leadership" (2002, 2003).
Professional Journey
1
1985-2006
Senior Faculty Officer at University of the Western Cape for 21 years, building foundation in higher education administration and student support.
2
2006-2014
Coordinator: Student Support in the Extended Curriculum Programme, pioneering support systems for at-risk students in the EMS Faculty.
3
2010-2018
Managing Director of MTAconnection, focusing on coaching, strategic planning, youth development and women empowerment.
4
2019-Present
Founder of The Sunflower Seeds Project, continuing the mission to transform lives through education and empowerment.
Published Works & Writing Excellence
1
The LIGHT in the Dark
Published internationally in Singapore and available on Amazon. A transformational guide that has touched readers worldwide.
2
Accessing Post-School Studies
Co-authored with Dr Venecia McGhie. A student's GPS to successful learning, published by Sun Media, Stellenbosch.
3
Self-Published Works
Anthology "Gemeng" and motivational pocket book "You are what you think" - practical wisdom for daily transformation.
Academic Research & Impact
Research Contributions
Collaboration with Dr Venicia McGhie resulted in a groundbreaking research paper published in the South African Journal of Higher Education (SAJHE), Vol.29, Issue 1, 2015.
Paper Title: "Addressing the learning needs of at-risk students at the University of the Western Cape"
Conference Presentations
Presented at 3 international conferences including North Georgia, and multiple national conferences sharing innovative student support strategies.
Action Research
Engaged in continuous action research to improve student outcomes and develop evidence-based support programs.
Educational Innovation
Developed "Ur GPS during and beyond Matric" guide for matriculants, addressing critical transition needs.
Comprehensive Professional Development
Leadership Training
Dale Carnegie Leadership for Managers (2002), Public Speaking (2001), HERS-SA Academy for Women in Leadership (2004)
Coaching Credentials
Transformational Life Coach (Global TLI, 2018), Accelerated Transformational Leadership Coaching ACT 1, 2 & 3 (2013/14)
Facilitation & Assessment
Skills Development Facilitator (EDTP SETA, 2015), Assessor Skills certification, Facilitation Skills (RPL) from People Development Africa
Specialized Training
2-year Diploma in Spiritual & Transformational Leadership (Every Nation Leadership Institute), Project Management (CPUT, 2004)
International Experience
4-month Professional Development Program (USA, 1996), Change Management (Bloch School, Kansas City, 2004), Career Development Programme (Mississippi Consortium)
Transformative Community Projects
1
GEM Project (2015-Present)
Empowering women to become the best they can be through learning how to love, forgive, discover identity, and take action toward their goals.
2
Write Read and Perform (WRaP) (2010-2015)
Community writing and reading project teaching young people creative writing, life skills and value-driven principles through performance.
3
Pay it Forward Tutoring (2007-2014)
Voluntary tutoring programme at UWC initiated by student Elethu Delo, engaging 12+ volunteers annually to support fellow students.
4
Reading and Writing (RaW) Project (2014)
Created safe, nurturing environment for Extended Curriculum Programme students to engage with reading and writing focused on life skills.
5
Ravensmead Alumni Matric Campaign (2015)
Year-long campaign motivating matriculants to achieve their full potential through targeted support and encouragement.
Volunteer Leadership & Speaking
Speaking Engagements
Active motivational speaker since August 2006, addressing women's gatherings and schools throughout the Western Cape. Specialized presentations include:
  • Cell C "Take a Girl Child to Work" events (2010-2012)
  • ATKV seminars for teachers in Upington, George, Bloemfontein, Olifantsrivier, and Nelspruit (2013-2014)
  • Every Nation Leadership Institute lecturer (2009-2012)
Creative Writing Facilitation
Denver Rene Andreas Youth Club (DRAYC) - Volunteer facilitator using poetry and short stories to nurture value-driven society (2009-2011)
Newsletter Editing
His People Kuilsriver Ministries - Team member ensuring monthly newsletter reflected Kingdom excellence (2010-2012)
Student Mentoring
TSiBA Education - Volunteer mentor supporting students from March to November 2013
Recognition & Testimonials
1
"There are many people in academia who devote their lives to a calling and service... To stand out in an institution with a proud history of activism takes an exceptional person. That is what Madge is. Her passion and commitment to students, academics, parents, communities and to get the right things done is inspiring."
— Roderick Lim Banda, Chief Architect at Integretis Holdings
2
"The talented Madge du Preez is a woman with sound principles, moral values and ethics. She strives for excellence in all that she endeavours and takes on every opportunity with focus, dedication, drive and accountability. A gracious woman of character."
— Esther Henderson, Owner at Synapse Communications
3
"Madge is full of love and she tries to understand humans by engaging with them. She's the best person for transformation and coaching and she will make you feel at home just by listening to your dreams and interests in your life."
— Dineo Ndhlovu, Data Analyst at Liberty Life Insurance Company
Core Competencies & Skills
Start-ups Management
Proven track record starting and managing innovative programs including The Sunflower Seeds Project, MTAconnection, and multiple student support initiatives.
Public Speaking & Training
67 endorsements for public speaking, 64 for training. Dale Carnegie certified with extensive workshop facilitation experience across diverse audiences.
Creative & Business Writing
Published author with 20 endorsements for creative writing. Expertise in proposal writing, report writing, and editing for professional and educational contexts.
Coaching & Mentoring
45 endorsements for coaching. Certified Transformational Life Coach specializing in youth development, women empowerment, and leadership development.
Leadership & Strategy
54 endorsements for leadership. Extensive experience in strategic planning, organizational development, change management, and staff development.
Emotional Intelligence
Specialized training in emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and creating nurturing environments for personal and professional growth.
Contact: Connect through LinkedIn or visit The Sunflower Seeds Project on Facebook to learn more about programs and opportunities.
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