Henda Marais
Still Bay,Western Cape
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with a strong expertise in sales and relationship management, customer engagement, and market development. Proven ability to enhance customer retention through effective presentation and negotiation skills. Adept at stakeholder and partnership building, with a focus on product knowledge development and market expansion. Skilled in reporting, administration, and database maintenance, leveraging Microsoft Office for efficient sales tracking. Committed to driving business growth through strategic event participation and coordination.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work history
Church Plant Leader
Shofar Church
Port Elizabeth
2012.01
- Established and grew a new church community
- Built strong relationships within the local Christian network
International Mission Coordinator
Israel
2019.01 - 2026.06
- Organised and led multiple international mission trips annually
- Built relationships with churches, leaders, and ministry partners
- Trained and equipped teams, strengthening engagement and participation
Publishing and Programme Development
Education Sector
2003.01 - 2025.01
- Developed and implemented a nationally recognised educational programme distributed to schools across South Africa
- Engaged with national and provincial education departments to promote and expand programme adoption
- Built and maintained long-term relationships with key stakeholders in education and leadership structures
- Managed the rollout, training, and support of programmes across multiple regions
- Drove awareness and uptake through presentations, networking, and strategic engagement
Various Roles
African Enterprise
2016.01 - 2018.01
- Supported large-scale mission campaigns and coordinated outreach initiatives
- Engaged with church leaders and ministry stakeholders across regions
- Assisted with planning, logistics, and execution of events and campaigns
- Logistics Co-ordinator for Empowered21South Africa Movement
Marketing Manager and General Manager
Educational Publishing
1992.01 - 2003.01
- Promoted and sold academic books and educational materials to schools and tertiary institutions
- Managed key customer relationships and expanded institutional client base
- Led business operations, including sales strategy, stock management, and distribution
- Presented product offerings and negotiated agreements with institutional buyers
Education
Matric -
Skills
- Sales and Relationship Management
- Customer Engagement and Retention
- Presentation and Negotiation
- Market Development and Expansion
- Stakeholder and Partnership Building
- Product Knowledge Development
- Reporting and Administration
- Event Participation and Coordination
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Reporting and sales tracking
- Database development and maintenance
Recent Initiative
- 2025 | Moral Regeneration Programme (Eastern Cape Department of Education)
- Designed and launched a values-based programme implemented across schools
- Promoted adoption through training and engagement with pastors and leaders
- Built a network of facilitators to sustain programme growth
Additional information
- Strong understanding of the Christian market and ministry landscape
- Passion for Christian books and their impact
- Willing and able to travel nationally
- Valid driver’s licence
Languages
English
Advanced
Afrikaans
Advanced
Affiliations
- Reading, with a strong interest in faith-based and inspirational literature
- Spending time in nature, enjoying outdoor environments and quiet reflection
Timeline
International Mission Coordinator
Israel
2019.01 - 2026.06
Various Roles
African Enterprise
2016.01 - 2018.01
Church Plant Leader
Shofar Church
2012.01
Publishing and Programme Development
Education Sector
2003.01 - 2025.01
Marketing Manager and General Manager
Educational Publishing
1992.01 - 2003.01