Meet Our Parish Pastoral Council 2025 -2028

Serving Our Parish Community

Neil Koorbanally

Chairperson

Candice Zulu

Vice Chairperson

Ryan Abrahams

Lee-Roy Adams

Lloyd Augustine

Amy Grace Bessick

Barnabe Kapena

Mmabatho Mpetsane

Bernadene Velusamy

Kim Vere

Lloyd Paul (Deacon-to-be)

Miko Chamangwana

A short bio

Neil Koorbanally grew up in Chatsworth, where he was part of the St. John’s Catholic Parish. He spent time a few years at Holy Trinity and the Good Shepherd Parish in Phoenix while at University before joining St. Josephs at the end of 1999, where he remained a parishioner for some 26 years to date. He is an Organic Chemist by training and lectures at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where he has worked for the past 25 years, playing roles in different management positions for the past 10 years. He is married to Chantal Koorbanally and have one son, James Koorbanally, who grew up at St. Josephs Parish and is now 18 years old. He enjoys swimming and is an avid Liverpool supporter.

My name is Candice Zulu. I am married to Thembinkosi Zulu and we are blessed with three beautiful daughters.

Although I wasn’t born Catholic, I was baptised into the faith at the age of 10. From a young age, I have felt drawn to the Church. In 1997, I became the first female altar server at Emmanuel Cathedral under Archbishop Denis Hurley, a significant moment in my faith journey. As a teenager, I also worked in the church office during school holidays, deepening my connection with the parish.

I joined St Joseph’s parish in 2014 and spent some time simply attending Mass. Eventually, I surrendered to God’s call and opened myself to becoming an active missionary disciple. I began to say “yes” more, to talks, events, and opportunities to serve.

I am currently part of the Baptism Prep team, serve as a Eucharistic Minister, and am involved in the Sacristans ministry as well as L.I.F.T (Ladies in Faith Together).

This is my second term on the PPC. I look forward to serving my parish community with love, intention, and faith.

Ryan Joseph Abrahams

I have been part of the Parish of St Joseph since 2002. I have always been drawn to serve in the church and begun doing so soon after joining this parish. 23 years later, I still try to be involved wherever God deems fit.

I have been involved in Lifeteen, Catechism, Young Adults, Alpha and various prayer ministries. I have also assisted pilgrims in their preparation for World Youth Day.

In the Mass ministries, I have been involved in training of Sacristans, Ministers of Hospitality, Ministers of the Word and Ministers of the Eucharist, serving in those capacities as required. I am also installed as an Acolyte at the Saturday 5pm Mass.

My favourite verse in scripture comes from Paul’s letter to the Romans, Chapter 3, Verse 23:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

It is a reminder that I must never let ego get in the way of service. In naming the various works that I am or have been involved in, it is merely context for the question:

How may I be of service to you?

 

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, I pray that God bolster hope within us all. That our service points to Jesus in Hope, Love and Peace. Amen

My name is Lee-Roy Adams and I’m blessed to serve as a member of the leadership team at the Parish of St Josephs Catholic Church. Being part of this vibrant faith community has been a source of great joy and spiritual growth in my life.

I joined the Parish of St Joseph’s in 2018. I began my ministry journey as a Minister of Hospitality. In recent years, I have had the privilege of serving as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist as well as an Acolyte.

Outside of parish life, I have been blessed with an amazing Wife and daughter. I’m a registered professional in the Civil Engineering field and try to live my faith both within and beyond the walls of the church.

It is a privilege to walk this journey with others who are seeking to know and follow Christ more deeply.

One of my favorite scriptures is:

“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14

Hi family in Christ, my name is Lloyd Augustine.
I have been a member of St. Joseph’s Parish since 2018 and am actively involved in various ministries. Serving and engaging with the Catholic community is deeply important to me, as I believe in fostering a welcoming, vibrant, and faith-filled environment for all.

I have a particular passion for involving our youth in every aspect of parish life. They are not only the future of the Church—they are also its present—and I strive to create opportunities for them to participate meaningfully in our shared mission.

With a professional background in training, business development, and community engagement, I bring a structured and initiative-driven approach to my ministry work. I enjoy creating programs and opportunities that support our parish’s growth, especially those that empower individuals to transition from a place of need to one of self-reliance and purpose.

Above all, I am grateful that Jesus does not call me to perfection, but to obedience and faithfulness. Even when I stumble, I am reminded

 

“My name is Amy-Grace Bessick and I am a Journalism graduate from Rhodes University. I am passionate about the Catholic faith and enjoy making art in the traditional sense through painting, writing and singing but also in the online spaces for sharing the gospel and growing God’s Kingdom. I enjoy spending time watching series while yapping with my loud, large family. If I’m not on a catch up session with one of my besties, you will find my nose buried deep in a fiction book or watching my favourite YouTubers vlogs. I want to encourage other young Catholics to foster a personal relationship with Christ and become a reflection of Him in their lives and to all those they meet.” 

My name is Barnabé Kapena.

I belong to the Music Ministry, as well as the Young Adults Community at St. Joseph’s.

I grew up in this parish, and it has always held a special place in my heart. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the PPC and look forward to doing my best to help the parish grow in it’s mission.

Born and bred in the beautiful Province of the Free State. Went to a Catholic Primary School and for my high school education I also went to a
Catholic Boarding School. I started working at an early age of 19 years.

Got married to my wonderful husband who is also Catholic, and we have been blessed with 2 beautiful daughters. I am the eldest daughter of three children.

I am working at Standard Bank: KZN Province (Kingsmead Head Office) as the Provincial Franchising Sector Specialist since 06/2023.

Also, I am currently a Eucharistic Minister in our parish. 

 

My name is Bernadene Velusamy . I am happily married for 33 years to Craig Velusamy and we have two awesome son’s Warren Alex(32) and Jarred Austin (27).
Our sons reside in Cape Town so we travel every term to Cape Town to spend quality time with them. I am the Principal of ST Anthony’s Catholic Primary School for 8 years to present . It gives me great joy to manage and lead 824 children and 40 staff . I firmly believe that my duties are much more than my designation as a Principal it is a vocation . To educate a child , you have to love them first . So I am passionate about ensuring the future of our country ,” the children ” are a priority.

I am very enthusiastic and humbled to be part of the ppc of the Parish of St Joseph’s . It is a great opportunity for me to impart my experience and knowledge in a positive way in the areas of Prayer , People Provision , Partnership and Presence . These are the keys to sustainability in a Church as a religious institution .

We learn every moment of every day of our lives and I embrace learning , growth and change .

Thank you for this incredible opportunity to be part of a ministerial body working to promote the mission of our Catholic Church .

God bless you and your families

My name is Kim Vere. I’m married to Donavan, and we’re blessed with two amazing children. From a young age, I’ve always felt connected to the church—starting in the children’s, youth, and family choirs. I’ve also had the privilege of performing in The Witness and playing a lead role in Forever Home. Over the years, I’ve served on the ACTS Core team and was honored to be called as a co-director.

Since 2021, I’ve been a devoted member of St Joseph’s, serving in various ministries such as the social committee, Alpha, Alpha Marriage, and as a Eucharistic Minister. I have a heart for ministry and a passion for supporting the church’s mission to share God’s love.

Outside of church, I’m involved in KZN soccer, where I serve on the EXCO and manage a girls U13 team. I love spending time with my family and watching my children grow. I’m truly grateful to be part of a church community that grows in faith and walks together in Christ’s love.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13

FAMILY LIFE Married to Shamain for 31 years. Two adult children, Blaine, who resides in Cape Town and Caitlin, who resides in Atlanta, USA.

WORK LIFE Senior Investigator at Standard Bank Group Forensic Services.

CHURCH LIFE I have been a parishioner at St Joesph’s for 21 years. Previous Ministries: PPC Chairperson from 2016 – 2019, past leader of Ministers of Hospitality (MOH) and the Men’s Ministry (MM), Core Team for Alpha and ACTS. Current Ministries: Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Acolyte (Aspirant Deacon), Extra Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion and Minister to the Sick, Prayer Warriors, Support Group, MM and MOH.

VOCATION – CALL TO THE PERMANENT DEACONATE

I received my calling to become a Permanent Deacon in 1999 and started my journey and formation as an Aspirant Deacon in 2000. I am awaiting ordination to the order of the Permanent Deaconate on 1 November 2025.

My faith journey began with an Anglican baptism, but frequent moves during my childhood due to my dad’s job meant limited church attendance growing up. This changed when I entered RCIA in 2011, completing my Catholic formation in 2012 and finding my spiritual home at St. Joseph Parish in 2014, where I have been an active member ever since. My passion for coffee led me to run He-Brews Coffee Shop right here at St. Joseph, combining my love for great coffee with bringing our parish community together. Married to Annie, I’m a devoted father to two young daughters who keep me busy when I’m not cheering on Chelsea or catching the latest action movies and series. My life reflects a beautiful blend of faith, family, business, and the simple pleasures that make each day meaningful.

Congratulations to the new PPC! 

                        We pray that that they will grow in their ministry and that they will find it positive spiritual experience serving the parish community.

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