Beyond Vitiligo was founded on 25 June 2011, by Gaone Matewa. It’s an idea that has been gathering motion throughout the years. The organisation was named Beyond Vitiligo because of the notion that vitiligo has no cure and the only way to beat vitiligo is by accepting the skin condition and be able to see beyond the patches. Today, BV is operating as a fully registered Non-profit organisation, with CIPC and Department of Social development. Currently, we have 40 members including three kids aged 3, 5 and 7.

The founder of Beyond Vitiligo South Africa gave birth to Beyond Vitiligo in Botswana. Gaone started her vitiligo awareness as early as 2009 and established the organisation in 2011. She is a wife, a proud mother of two children and an avid marathon runner who has competed in two Comrades marathons. Gaone is a member of other  vitiligo organisations which include IADPO, VIPOC, and Vitiligo in Africa and has worked with numerous organisations in South Africa.

Gaone has had the opportunity to work with vitiligo medical researchers, dermatologists that focuses more on vitiligo and vitiligo patient leaders. She has gained in-depth knowledge about the condition and, being a member of Global Skin, has also expanded her knowledge on the other 41 skin conditions. One of the biggest highlights is meeting Maxine Whitton in France, she contributed a lot on vitiligo worldwide. Ogo Maduwesi has been a pillar of strength in the fight against vitiligo in Africa and inspiration to Gaone.

She is the current CEO of Simboti Digital and TNG Solutions, companies that are based in Midrand Johannesburg South Africa.