Our Team
Our dedicated team of skilled individuals will ensure you receive top quality data.
Shameen Yacoob
Founder / Project ManagementBased in Cape Town, Western Cape
Shameen Yacoob is the founder of Mploy Market Research, with over 30 years of cross-sector experience in market research, media, banking, NGOs, and public service.
Her expertise lies in managing complex, large-scale research projects and building high-performing field teams that deliver quality data under diverse conditions.
Shameen’s background in Communication Science, Public Administration, and Development Management shapes her systems-based leadership style, blending strategic thinking with operational precision. Her strengths include project and field coordination, financial oversight, and administrative design.
Beyond research, she has held senior roles in media, including Executive Producer of Takalani Sesame and Head of Production at Times Media Television. Her ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and execute high-impact initiatives has been central to Mploy’s success.
A visionary leader with a passion for community engagement and data integrity, Shameen continues to drive meaningful research that informs social progress across Africa.
Arshad Yakasai
Programmer / Research SpecialistBased in Kano State, Nigeria
Arshad is a skilled programmer and research professional with over 10 years of experience in IT solutions and data management.
Known for his innovative approach and strong technical foundation, he has contributed to numerous research and development initiatives across Africa.
He is highly experienced in data collection, community engagement, sample design, and field team coordination. A native Hausa speaker and fluent in English, Arshad offers expertise in translation, transcription, and interpretation—making him an asset in multilingual and cross-cultural research settings.
Arshad has worked with international and local organizations including Uliza LLC, The World Bank, Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), Oxford Policy Management (OPM), and Innovative Hub for Research in Africa (IHfRA), among others. His professional ethos is grounded in kindness, collaboration, and a commitment to high-quality outcomes.
Project Management
Overseeing operations in the field and ensuring smooth delivery from start to finish.
Thabani Khanyile
Field Operations SpecialistBased in Johannesburg, Gauteng
Thabani Khanyile is a seasoned field operations expert with over 15 years of experience in market research.
He is known for his reliability, discipline, and deep operational insight. His roles—from Field Auditor to Operations Manager and Regional Coordinator—reflect a strong grasp of end-to-end project delivery.
He specializes in managing large-scale field deployments, coordinating diverse teams, and ensuring strict quality control in dynamic environments. Thabani is also technically proficient, with advanced skills in Excel, SurveyCTO, SurveyToGo, and spatial data tools like SpatialXL and QGIS. He brings analytical depth through R and Python, enabling him to bridge fieldwork and data analysis seamlessly.
Thabani’s ability to align field strategies with project goals, troubleshoot on the ground, and maintain data accuracy makes him a trusted leader in high-pressure research settings. His technical fluency, hands-on experience, and collaborative mindset make him an invaluable contributor to results-driven initiatives.
Nomathemba Dhladhla
Quality Control LeadBased in Midrand, Gauteng
Nomathemba Dhladhla brings deep expertise in quality assurance and project oversight.
She has led Quality Control operations for Mploy on major social survey initiatives across Africa. Commissioned by leading international foundations, these projects required strict adherence to global research standards, where Nomathemba ensured data integrity, protocol compliance, and accurate field execution.
She specializes in the design and application of structured quality assurance tools, including scoring matrices to evaluate data validity, enumerator performance, and survey consistency. Her methodological precision has directly contributed to improved project outcomes and reliable data sets.
Nomathemba’s leadership in cross-cultural research environments has honed her ability to manage field teams effectively while adapting processes to local contexts. Her commitment to high standards and continuous improvement makes her a critical asset in any data-driven or research-intensive project across the continent.
John Matlosa
Project Manager LesothoBased in Maseru, Lesotho
John Matlosa is an entrepreneur and market researcher with over 20 years of executive leadership experience.
As Mploy’s in-country project manager in Lesotho, he leads local operations, ensuring efficient project delivery and field coordination.
John’s expertise spans strategic management, financial oversight, audit and risk, business incubation, and leadership development. He has held senior roles directing corporate strategy, sales, and distribution functions.
He holds an Honours Degree in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and earned his MBA from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.
Known for his strategic thinking and operational discipline, John plays a key role in aligning project goals with local context and delivering impactful research outcomes.
Quality Control & Support Staff
Reviewing and verifying every detail to uphold the accuracy and integrity of our data; transforming raw fieldwork into client-ready outputs.
Nompumelelo "Mpumi" Mbethe
Communications Expert / Trainer / Quality ControlBased in Mbombela, Mpumalanga
Mpumi Mbethe is a seasoned communications specialist with a BA in Journalism from the University of Johannesburg.
She brings over 15 years of experience in radio, television, and research. She rose through the media ranks to become series producer of The Big Debate, South Africa’s flagship political talk show.
In research, Mpumi has held diverse roles—from translator to principal investigator—across social and public sector projects. Her strengths lie in training fieldworkers, leading data quality control processes, and fostering effective stakeholder engagement.
Known for her clear, empathetic communication style, Mpumi balances creative thinking with methodological rigor. She is particularly skilled at ensuring teams understand and implement complex research protocols, ultimately enhancing the credibility of field data.
Her dual background in media and research positions her as a versatile contributor to projects that require both operational excellence and compelling public engagement.
Taib Blankenberg
Quality Control SpecialistBased in Johannesburg, Gauteng
Young, tech-savvy, and highly adaptable, Taib brings a fresh wind into the Quality Control team.
With a background in sound engineering and creative production, alongside current studies in Industrial and Product Design, Taib brings a unique blend of technical precision and creative problem-solving to his work. His experience across international production environments has shaped a strong sense of accountability, teamwork, and process optimisation.
Taib Blankenberg is a driven and detail-oriented Quality Control Specialist who helps to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and overall quality of project deliverables. He is responsible for coordinating QC efforts, guiding team performance, and maintaining high standards that directly support reliable insights for clients. Taib’s calm leadership style and systems-focused mindset make him a valuable part of the operational backbone of the business.
Rahel Lawrence
Data Management / Quality ControlBased in Zithulele, Eastern Cape
Rahel Lawrence is an experienced project manager and quality control lead with a background in business management.
After launching her career in Switzerland, she relocated to South Africa and founded a Lodge, gaining hands-on leadership and entrepreneurial experience.
In market research, Rahel excels at coordinating logistics-heavy studies and overseeing data quality across multi-site operations. She brings a solutions-oriented mindset to every project, streamlining administrative systems and ensuring adherence to rigorous data standards throughout the research lifecycle.
Rahel is also skilled in financial administration, website management, and systems troubleshooting — skills that enhance her ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects. Fluent in German, English, French, and Spanish, she is adept at navigating multicultural environments and supporting multilingual research efforts.
Her adaptability, technical fluency, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable player in fast-paced research settings.
Nteboheng Mosolodi
Quality ControllerBased in Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape
Ntebo's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to the team.
Ntebo Mosolodi brings a strong foundation in education to our team, having joined us five years ago as a field auditor. From the start, her exceptional communication skills, reliability, and consistent delivery of high-quality work set her apart.
Thanks to her skills and strategic location, Ntebo was soon appointed as our local supervisor. Her talent for mentoring others became increasingly evident, leading us to entrust her with the training of our field teams—a role in which she continues to excel.
As her career evolved, Ntebo expressed an interest in stepping away from fieldwork. We introduced her to our quality control processes, and once again, she exceeded all expectations. She consistently outperforms in her role, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Ntebo’s dedication and pride in her work are evident in everything she does, and we’re proud to have her as a cornerstone of our quality assurance efforts.
Mike Dube
Project Supervisor / Quality ControllerBased in Fourways, Gauteng
Supporting both quality control and field team supervision, Mike brings creative flair and a strong visual storytelling lens to our field operations.
Mike recently joined the team to support both quality control and the supervision of field teams. A breath of fresh air, he has brought new meaning to field supervision through his energy, professionalism, and hands-on approach. In addition to overseeing field operations, Mike documents on-the-ground activities through photos and videos, contributing valuable visual content that highlights the depth and breadth of our fieldwork.
A disciplined professional, Mike is known for his exceptional communication, problem-solving, and risk management skills. He embraces every task with a passion for continuous learning and a willingness to take on challenges that drive innovation.
Beyond his quality control responsibilities, Mike is also a seasoned marketing maverick and digital content creator, with a dedicated online following of over 50,000. He thrives on creative thinking and brings fresh, out-of-the-box solutions to the team. Outside of his professional life, Mike is a devoted father to three beautiful children, balancing his career ambitions with a deep commitment to family life.
Karabo Pemba
Quality ControllerBased in Johannesburg, Gauteng
Karabo is a Social Work graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand, with a strong foundation in qualitative research and ethical data practices.
She is known for her attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong sense of responsibility when it comes to data accuracy and quality. Karabo brings skills in data collection, report writing, and quality assurance processes, supported by her ability to identify inconsistencies and ensure adherence to research standards.
Karabo gained practical experience as a student intern at an academic research unit at Bara DPHRU, as well as through her work in a homeless shelter. These roles strengthened her ability to work with sensitivity and professionalism, while maintaining high ethical standards. In addition, her experience as a tutor highlights her strong communication skills and structured approach to information.
With a careful and conscientious approach, Karabo plays a key role in upholding the integrity and reliability of research data.
Nandipha September
Quality ControllerBased in Knysna, Western Cape
Nandi is a Marketing graduate from Nelson Mandela University, with a diverse professional background spanning administration, communications, and project coordination.
She is known for her exceptional interpersonal skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to perform effectively under pressure. Nandi brings valuable experience in coordination, stakeholder engagement, and structured administrative processes, all of which support her role in maintaining high standards of data quality and accuracy.
Nandi has held a range of roles, including Office Administrator and Events Coordinator for the Knysna Speed Festival, Personal Assistant to the Speaker at Knysna Municipality, and Project Coordinator at Edunova. Her earlier experience as a Communications Intern, Sports Administrator, and Teacher’s Assistant further reflects her adaptability and strong organisational skills.
With a dynamic and solutions-oriented approach, Nandi is committed to excellence in her work. Her passion for community development and youth empowerment, combined with her professional discipline, makes her a valuable member of the Quality Control team.
Legal Advisor
Providing legal oversight to ensure compliance, contracts, and ethical best practices.
Ayesha Vania
Legal Consultant / Admitted Attorney / Compliance and Regulatory SpecialistBased in Johannesburg, Gauteng
Ayesha supports the company in maintaining compliance with applicable laws and ethical standards.
Ayesha Vania is an Admitted Attorney of the High Court with a solid foundation in commercial and civil litigation, labour law, and regulatory compliance. Known for her analytical thinking and attention to detail, she brings a thoughtful and solution-driven approach to complex legal and compliance matters.
In her current role as Legal Consultant at M-Ploy, Ayesha applies her legal expertise to help the company navigate an evolving regulatory landscape. She supports the organization in maintaining compliance with applicable laws and ethical standards through contract review and drafting, legal risk assessments, policy development, and advising on employment and labour-related issues.
Ayesha is valued for her ability to translate legal requirements into practical, business-aligned strategies. Her collaborative approach and strong communication skills make her a trusted advisor across teams, helping to ensure that legal integrity is maintained without compromising operational goals.
With a passion for upholding ethical business practices and fostering a culture of compliance, Ayesha continues to build her career at the intersection of law, strategy, and corporate governance.
Contact Us
Let's talk
Whether you’re ready to start a project or just exploring ideas, we’re here to connect. Send us a message — we’ll get back to you soon.
Location:
59 Hampshire House
1 Third Street
Killarney, 2193 GAUTENG
Email:
shameen@mployresearch.co.za
Phone:
+27 83 785 5695