Fostering care and change: Rika Haasbroek Leads Clover Mama Afrika into a New Chapter

By JNPR

Rika Haasbroek has been named as the new Manager of the Clover Mama Afrika Trust, Clover’s cornerstone CSI initiative. Rika is no stranger to social responsibility, as co-founder of a non-profit organisation focused on empowering artists through skills development, exhibitions, and events designed to increase their visibility and opportunities.

Haasbroek is an author of a specialised book on ceramic lustre techniques, reflecting her passion for creativity and empowering others through art. She possesses a unique blend of business acumen and creative expertise, and this along with her passion for empowerment, made her an ideal candidate to lead the Mama Afrikas. 

Haasbroek comes from a background that spans over three decades across financial services, sales, and creative entrepreneurship, anchored by a commitment to purposeful strategy and relationship-building.

“At my core, I am a connector and creative strategist who champions care, collaboration, and meaningful impact, and working with the Mamas of the Clover Mama Afrika project has come as a natural fit for me,” says Haasbroek.

“Being part of someone’s path to self-reliance and dignity is incredibly humbling. Working in the social impact space gives me the privilege of witnessing transformation as it happens - especially when genuine care is combined with practical skills. My experience in the non-profit sector deepened my belief in creativity and community as powerful drivers of empowerment. I am honoured and excited about my new role and my journey with the Clover Mama Afrikas that awaits me. I continue to draw inspiration from the Clover Mama Afrikas, whose resilience turns challenges into opportunities and whose efforts bring real, lasting change to their communities every day,” she shares.

Haasbroek believes that CSI is more than just giving; but rather about creating value for everyone involved. “Initiatives like Clover Mama Afrika don’t just help their specific communities, they also impact the public who are touched by their stories. They remind us how small acts of care can have a big impact. By supporting people, especially women-led projects, we’re helping build lasting change that truly reflects Clover’s values,” she says.

She is especially passionate about women’s empowerment, particularly older women who carry vast wisdom and strength but who are often overlooked. Throughout her life she has found herself supporting women in many ways - through coaching, teaching, listening, or mentoring - both formally and informally. She also deeply believes in skills development as a way to unlock dignity and opportunity.

“Giving back is more than generosity, it’s transformative. It strengthens community, uplifts lives, and reminds us we’re part of something bigger. Every intentional act of care creates ripples beyond what we can see.”

Clover Mama Afrika has established a reputation for being one of South Africa's most innovative and sustainable corporate investment projects. The project currently has 18 operating Clover Mama Afrikas who collectively manage 234 income-generating projects and 36 added value projects. With skills transferred to 16,016 community members over the years, the benefits of upskilling are clear.

Haasbroek looks forward to building on the strengths of the Clover Mama Afrika project and is excited to see how she can bring her skillset to broaden the impact of the incredible mamas at the heart of the project.