Marshalline Martin
(born 9 February 1984) is a South African community activist, social entrepreneur, performance artist, and advocate for indigenous rights. She is the founder and chief executive officer of the non-profit organization Zisa iThemba, based in Paarl, Western Cape.
Early life and education
Martin was born in Paarl, Western Cape. She attended Paulus Joubert Primary School from 1991 to 1997 and matriculated from New Orleans Secondary School in 2002.
Following high school, Martin completed various diploma programs and vocational training certificates in business administration, social media, management, and performance art:
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2003–2004: Diploma in Business Communication, Computer Studies, and Office Management from A+ Computer Studies, Cape Town.
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2005–2006: Film Studies at the New Africa Theatre Association.
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2014–2016: Management studies (Project Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship) through Southern Business School.
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2016: Cultural Tour Guide certification through Heartbeat Academy.
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2018: Arts Management and Heritage coursework with the City of Cape Town, alongside participation in the Emerging Business Support Programme at the University of the Western Cape.
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2021–2022: Vocational certifications in CATHSSETA Assistant Chef Training, Volleyball Coaching (Level 1), and Community Arts and Performance Management via Cyan Consulting.
Career and creative arts
Martin worked as a heritage educator at the Robben Island Museum, where she conducted tours and educational programs for student and adult groups. As an actress and poet, she has appeared in regional theatre productions, as well as local and international film and commercial projects.
She also conducts community workshops teaching arts, crafts, speech, and drama to youth in the Drakenstein region.
Community activism and advocacy
Martin serves as the founder and director of Zisa iThemba, a registered non-profit organisation (NPO/PBO) focused on youth development, skills training, and social intervention programs in Paarl East.
Her public advocacy work covers several areas:
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Indigenous Rights: She is active in Khoisan heritage affairs and serves in a traditional leadership role ("Chief") advocating for Khoisan rights and community sustainability in Drakenstein.
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Gender-Based Violence (GBV): As a survivor of gender-based violence, she works with local initiatives focused on GBV prevention, awareness, and victim support.
Business ventures
In addition to her non-profit work, Martin operates commercial enterprises including Memorable Moments Trading (Pty) Ltd and a local retail franchise dealership.
Honors and awards
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2021: Community Hero of Drakenstein Award.
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2022: Drakenstein Municipality Certificate of Appreciation.
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2024: Women in Community Award (Women Lifestyle Network).
Marshalline Martin
| DOB: | 9 February 1984 |
| Marital status: | Single |
| Hometown: | Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Children: | Mateo Martin and Micah Martin |
Early life and education
Martin was born in Paarl, Western Cape. She attended Paulus Joubert Primary School from 1991 to 1997 and matriculated from New Orleans Secondary School in 2002.
Following high school, Martin completed various diploma programs and vocational training certificates in business administration, social media, management, and performance art:
-
2003–2004: Diploma in Business Communication, Computer Studies, and Office Management from A+ Computer Studies, Cape Town.
-
2005–2006: Film Studies at the New Africa Theatre Association.
-
2014–2016: Management studies (Project Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship) through Southern Business School.
-
2016: Cultural Tour Guide certification through Heartbeat Academy.
-
2018: Arts Management and Heritage coursework with the City of Cape Town, alongside participation in the Emerging Business Support Programme at the University of the Western Cape.
-
2021–2022: Vocational certifications in CATHSSETA Assistant Chef Training, Volleyball Coaching (Level 1), and Community Arts and Performance Management via Cyan Consulting.
Career and creative arts
Martin worked as a heritage educator at the Robben Island Museum, where she conducted tours and educational programs for student and adult groups. As an actress and poet, she has appeared in regional theatre productions, as well as local and international film and commercial projects.
She also conducts community workshops teaching arts, crafts, speech, and drama to youth in the Drakenstein region.
Community activism and advocacy
Martin serves as the founder and director of Zisa iThemba, a registered non-profit organisation (NPO/PBO) focused on youth development, skills training, and social intervention programs in Paarl East.
Her public advocacy work covers several areas:
-
Indigenous Rights: She is active in Khoisan heritage affairs and serves in a traditional leadership role ("Chief") advocating for Khoisan rights and community sustainability in Drakenstein.
-
Gender-Based Violence (GBV): As a survivor of gender-based violence, she works with local initiatives focused on GBV prevention, awareness, and victim support.
Business ventures
In addition to her non-profit work, Martin operates commercial enterprises including Memorable Moments Trading (Pty) Ltd and a local retail franchise dealership.
Honors and awards
-
2021: Community Hero of Drakenstein Award.
-
2022: Drakenstein Municipality Certificate of Appreciation.
-
2024: Women in Community Award (Women Lifestyle Network).
