ABOUT US

The Ukuphila Life Team is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of struggling Africans.

Ukuphila Life was founded out of a deep sense of necessity. Our founder, Patrick D. McCormack, witnessed poverty on a global scale, particularly in Africa, and was struck by the overwhelming depth of poverty, corruption, and lack of opportunity he encountered.

Despite the dire circumstances, Patrick was moved by the joy and love exhibited by the people of Umzimkhulu, who had very little in terms of material possessions. With a mission to educate and empower individuals through knowledge, experience, and hands-on practice, Ukuphila Life strives to be a non-profit organization that truly puts people first. This is where our journey begins.

OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM

Patrick D. McCormack
Executive Director

Patrick is a renowned Executive Chef with an international career spanning several continents. He has shared his culinary delights with people across the globe, having been commissioned to cook for the King of Sweden twice and the Prime Minister once, cementing his reputation as a highly skilled chef.

 

Patrick’s work with the underprivileged began with feeding schemes in the New York Soup Kitchens, the Jordanian-Syrian Border, and the Hurley Centre in Durban. However, his commitment to helping individuals transcend from unskilled to skilled and from hopeless to successful has led him to broaden his support in other areas. Patrick’s dedication to making a meaningful impact on the world is reflected in his drive to empower others and help them realize their full potential.

Boris Haid
Chief Development Officer

With a diverse background as a commercial pilot and entrepreneur, Boris has successfully launched multiple companies and projects throughout his career. As a third-generation owner of Clas Ohlson, he is deeply committed to philanthropy and serves on the board of several multinational organizations.

 

In addition, Boris is a passionate supporter of the Childhood NPO, which is based in Cape Town. He has a close working relationship with our founder, Patrick, and the two are also good friends. Boris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team, helping us drive our mission forward and make a positive impact on the world.

Åsa Aronsson
Chief Financial Officer

Åsa grew up on a farm in southern Sweden, where she developed a deep passion for life, animals, and nature. With a background in equestrianism, she has experience in both training and management. As an accountant by trade, Åsa is an accomplished senior accountant and team leader.

 

She is also an excellent seamstress, using her skills to help drive Ukuphila’s seamstress program. Åsa is committed to international humanitarian work, focusing on creating a better future for all. Her dedication to making a positive impact on the world makes her an invaluable member of our team.