Silke van Velden is an education economist guided by a passion for positive change in South Africa’s education landscape. She completed her Master’s in Economics at Stellenbosch University, specialising in development economics and the economics of education.

Silke is an executive director and co-founder of Thuma Mina Teaching, focusing on designing programmes that improve learner engagement, support and strengthen teachers, and help learners master content with confidence — all underscored by visible learning gains.

She believes that a combination of strategic planning and a heart for service can create meaningful solutions to longstanding challenges, including the education crisis South Africa is facing. Silke brings this perspective into her role on the board, where she contributes a blend of strategic leadership and evidence-based insight, drawing on her background as an education economist to offer a systemic perspective while staying grounded in practical realities — a perspective further shaped by her years at Resep, which reinforced the importance of data-driven decision-making.