Jonathan McKay

Jonathan McKay has a diverse work experience spanning over several years. Jonathan is currently the Founder of SameSame (SiyaFanaFana), a position they have held since January 2021. Prior to this, they worked at Girl Effect, where they served as the Senior Director of Product Innovation and the Chief Creative and Programmes Officer, starting in August 2021 and January 2023, respectively.

Jonathan also worked at South Park Commons as an SCP - Agency Fund Fellow from December 2021 to July 2022. Before that, they held multiple roles at Girl Effect, including Head of Create from February 2019 to August 2020, and Interim Operating Team Lead from September 2018 to January 2019.

In 2017, Jonathan worked at Girl Effect as the Director of Springster on an interim basis. Jonathan was responsible for developing the strategy for Springster, a project aimed at empowering adolescent girls worldwide through mobile technologies.

Furthermore, Jonathan worked as a Mentor for Australia Awards in 2017, guiding young social entrepreneurs in exploring the introduction of digital technologies in English language education.

From 2014 to 2017, Jonathan held two positions at Praekelt.org. Jonathan served as the Director of Global Partnerships, where they established strategic collaborations with various organizations in the international development and technology sectors. Additionally, they worked as the Head of Youth Programmes & Communications, leading a team in creating digital tools and services for adolescents and young adults.

Prior to their time at Praekelt.org, Jonathan was a Creative Producer at Future Corp, a digital agency, from April 2013 to September 2014. Jonathan collaborated with renowned interactive designer Marc Kremers and managed project teams in designing and developing websites and digital experiences.

Jonathan's career began in 2010 as a Creative Director at Praekelt Consulting, a technology organization. Jonathan worked on various digital media projects, including USSD-driven services for subsistence farmers and animated content on sexual health for adolescents. Jonathan also led digital marketing campaigns for global brands such as Diageo, Unilever, Coca Cola, Volkswagen, and Vodafone.

Before joining Praekelt Consulting, Jonathan worked as a Freelance Creative Director at Jon the Mac from February 2008 to August 2010.

Jonathan McKay obtained a BA in Information Design from the University of Pretoria from 1997 to 2000. Jonathan later pursued a Masters degree in Cultural Studies & Humanities at Birkbeck, University of London from 2007 to 2008. In 2022 to 2023, Jonathan completed the Leadership in Mental Health program at Sangath.