Volmink was born in District Six in Cape Town and, in addition to his experience in the political arena – first as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly and then as a Member of the Provincial Legislature in Gauteng – he obtained his medical degree at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, his Master of Medicine from Wits University and a Fellowship of the College of Public Health Medicine. He also holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Warwick (UK).

Volmink is also passionate about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is a member of the “Goalkeepers”, an initiative started by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that is focused on the accomplishment of the SDGs.

“While I will always value the time I had to contribute in the domain of politics, I will now continue to serve the country as an active citizen in a non-partisan capacity and with an organisation whose values resonate deeply with me,” says Volmink. “OUTA’s tireless fight against the abuse of power and its championing of our Constitution and the democratic principles have inspired me tremendously and I’m excited to work with this great team and organisation.”

Wayne Duvenage, OUTA’s CEO, believes that Volmink is the right man for the job. “Experience in public finance administration and the workings of Government will be of benefit to the roles and responsibilities of this position, coupled with Heinrich’s expertise and leadership skills.”

Volmink’s appointment enables the organisation to advance its focus on the varied projects undertaken to hold Government to account, whilst at the same time enabling strategic expansion of the organisation to tackle policy and ethical issues and conduct between business and Government departments.

WATCH: Heinrich Volmink explains why he joined OUTA