Getting to know the Managing Director of Masicorp Milli Firth

The community of Masiphumelele is very close to Milli’s heart. As the Managing Director of Masicorp, Milli feels incredibly fortunate to have seen the organisation grow from a small number of projects into what it is today.

Milli’s background in remedial teaching at Fish Hoek Primary School led her to start a reading programme for children from Masiphumelele at the community library in 2004. It was here that she met Masicorp founders John and Carol Thompson. She became a volunteer at the library and quickly became involved in many teaching programmes. Milli believes her time spent volunteering laid the foundation to become the kind of leader she is today within the organisation.

Five years later, through the encouragement and support from then CEO , Andrew Smith, Milli joined Masicorp as a volunteer , taking on the role of Volunteer Coordinator. She also launched the English..Please! Programme which still continues today – supporting learners from Masi, who attend English speaking schools outside of their community to improve their language skills. This programme is where Milli is able to put her remedial skills and passion for teaching to use. To this day she spends each Wednesday teaching ‘’her’’ Masi children at Fish Hoek Primary School, a highly rewarding programme for Milli.

Milli was promoted to Deputy MD in 2014 and two years later to Managing Director. She has spent the last several years continuing to grow relationships, as well as strengthening the systems and strategic direction of the organisation with the guidance and support of her Executive and Trustee Boards. .

Milli is incredibly dedicated to Masicorp and feels it is her duty to make a positive difference to her community and her country. Her time at Masicorp has helped her to build relationships with the people of Masiphumelele and she is proud to be part of an organisation that is a driving force of change in the community.

Masicorp has grown in leaps and bounds over the years. “We still chuckle about how we would teach English on one side of the room at the Library and then close it off with curtain and teach computers on the other side!” Milli fondly reminisces.

Milli has been involved in the incredible growth every step of the way. She has been there to see Masicorp build ECD Centres, establishing the Learning Labs at Ukhanyo Primary school, registering our Computer Lab and so much more. To Milli, each programme is a highlight of her journey with Masicorp.

‘’We are not done yet!’’ says Milli. “Masicorp is 110% dedicated to the community of Masiphumelele. I look forward to many more years of growth and relationship building in Masicorp and thank each person who has helped us get to where we are today’’.