Our Story
VISION
Umatter creates positive experiences to build self-esteem, inspire dreams and ignite possibilities among burn survivors. Using storytelling as a tool to help families heal.
MISSION
Umatter ensures that no burns survivor in South Africa should ever have to recover alone. Umatter is designed to bring affected communities together for their common good by embracing uniqueness, cultivating dignity and empowering them by building bridges and connecting people to resources. Umatter models a lifestyle of courage and hope to South Africans and the world.
Meet the Team
The Umatter support team is empowered by Clinical Psychologist Itumeleng Khutlang as well as Trauma Councillor and Umatter Coordinator Kereeditswe Mankaye. Our very own Tebogo Tsotetsi has an inspirational story of courage and hope in the face of adversity.
Itumeleng Khutlang
Clinical Psychologist
Itumeleng is a registered clinical psychologist based in Johannesburg. She completed her undergraduate and honours degree through the Midrand Graduate Institute and went on to complete her master’s degree in clinical psychology at the University of Pretoria. She has a particular interest in working with children and adults with various psycho-emotional difficulties.
She has worked for Umatter for almost a year and continues to contribute to the growth of the organisation. She also works for the Department of Health, specifically at Helen Joseph Hospital where her main professional input is with adults who have been diagnosed with various forms of psychopathology. She is warm, kind and holds the idea of patient care as a core aspect in her professional capacity.
Tebogo Tsotetsi
Lead Support Mom
On 18 July 2014 Tebogo’s life changed forever. On her family’s return from a church concert late on a cold winter’s night they turned on a heater in her children’s bedroom to warm it up before going to bed. Five minutes later when they returned to switch off the heater the room was in flames. The youngest of her sons, Kutlwano passed away from smoke inhalation and her eldest Molemo has endured so many surgeries she has lost count, she thinks it’s over 14 surgeries. Tebogo wants to give back to all South African burn survivors by supporting them on their journey to healing and recovery. Tebogo has a Diploma in neuro Linguistic Programming as well as Life Coaching. She is currently working as an Employee Wellness Coordinator in Gauteng.
Feel free to contact Tebogo directly on 074 403 0231