about the team
Anwar-Yasser Rassool
Founder / Chairman / Chief Executive Officer
Anwar Rassool is a visionary leader in urban development, philanthropy and ESG. He founded the FEST Foundation in 2019 at just 18 years old, driven by a bold ambition to transform cities and uplift communities through sustainable, high-impact development. With a BA in Law from the University of Pretoria, he combines legal acumen with a deep understanding of policy, infrastructure and economic revitalization. Under his leadership, FEST has evolved into a pioneering force in urban rejuvenation, affordable housing and sustainable city planning, spearheading transformative projects across the country.
As Chairman and CEO, Anwar oversees FEST’s strategic direction, forging partnerships with investors, policymakers and industry leaders to drive large-scale development initiatives. His forward-thinking approach has positioned FEST as a key player in reshaping South Africa’s urban landscape. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability and social impact, he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in city-building and economic empowerment.
William Selyer
Co-Founder/Chief Project Officer
William Selyer is a seasoned social entrepreneur and self-starter who has an immense passion for helping people work towards self-sustainable development. William acquired various qualifications ranging from business, entrepreneurship and facilitation and has more than 5 years experience in various industries such as project coordination, event management, public relations and logistics.
William has worked with various non-profit organizations, most notably, The Fatherhood Foundation of South Africa, where he quickly rose to become the Senior Coordination Manager and navigated multiple partnerships with the Department of Social Development and organizations such as NICDAM. William was a valuable asset in negotiations with both national and international donors.
William’s passion and experience has steered him to coordinate multiple public and private events and conferences, such as the annual African Investigative Journalism Conference held at the University of Witwatersrand where he assisted in the logistics and organization for more than 300 attendees.
In 2019, William co-founded the FEST Foundation and serves as its Chief Project Officer, using his experience to manage all major projects on the ground.
lyle prim
Co-Founder / Director of Strategy & Policy Development
Lyle is a seasoned urban policy professional with a master’s degrees in Development Planning and Business Administration with a strong background in corporate management and government administration. As the director of Strategy & Policy Development at the FEST Foundation, he plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that drive sustainable urban planning rejuvenation.
His expertise in strategic planning, policy analysis and stakeholder engagement ensures that the FEST Foundation’s projects align with both regulatory frameworks and community needs.Lyle is passionate about creating resilient cities that balance economic growth with social equity.
Bulelwa Ngewana
Co-Founder / Director of Sustainability & Urban Development
With over 20 years of experience in urban development, Bulelwa is a leading expert in sustainability and city rejuvenation. She holds a masters degree in Town and Regional Planning and has served as a board member and CEO of several organisations championing sustainability and urban regeneration.
As the Director of Sustainability & Urban Development, she oversees environmental and social impact strategies, ensuring that FEST’s projects are both eco-friendly and community driven. Bulelwa is dedicated to fostering inclusive urban spaces that enhance quality of life while prioritizing environmental stewardship