“If we’re going to do what I believe we need to do for the rest of our lives, you need to go back with me.” - Peter Pretorius

Ann’s husband Peter had just returned from Mozambique where he learned first hand about the humanitarian crisis facing the people of this neighboring nation. Peter’s visit was meant to be for a day, but with no means of transportation out, he survived for 10 days, sleeping under a bush, with no water, food or shelter. Witnessing the profound effects of poverty, death and disease, he returned to South Africa a changed man, determined to do something to help. He took his wife back to Mozambique to see what he had seen and the rest, as the saying goes, is history.

In the early 1980s, Ann and her husband, the late Peter Pretorius, resolved to do whatever they could to alleviate human suffering on the African continent after what they witnessed in war-torn and famine-stricken Mozambique. Their vision led to the establishment of JAM International, the global humanitarian organisation that Ann has served for almost 40 years.

A mother of six, with 14 grandchildren, Ann has a great appreciation for the value of family and her extended “JAMily”. Referred to by many as “Mama JAM” because of her big heart, Ann is a highly motivated and empathetic person who is fiercely passionate about seeing an Africa that thrives.  

In June 2021, their son Isak took over as the JAM Group CEO as Ann stepped into the role of Founding Director on JAM’s International Board. As Co-Founder, Ann is the key relationship representative, focused on the history and heart of JAM through networking with governments, donors, ambassadors and at leading fundraising events and launches. 

She remains a champion of JAM’s beneficiaries and custodian of its vision. In 2021, JAM impacted nearly 2.4-million lives across seven countries in Africa.  Together, Peter and Ann received several prestigious awards, including the 2018 African Ubuntu Award for Social Responsibility, and were one of five finalists for the AidEx 2014 Humanitarian Hero of the Year Award.

In April of 2022, JAM International was renamed ForAfrika, You can learn more about them here.

Listen to Ann’s episode here.