Michelle van Zyl is a Brownie and Ranger Adult Leader, a School Principal of Curamus School for Autism and Vice Chairperson of NAPTOSA Gauteng. She has recently been elected as a Deputy Chief Commissioner of GIRL GUIDES South Africa.

She holds a M Ed degree, specialising in Inclusive Education, and advocating for quality education for all children with disabilities is very close to her heart.

Michelle joined the movement in 1998 as an Assistant Guider when her older daughter became a Brownie. She was Chairperson of the National Educational Programme Committee from 2010 to 2015 and Regional Commissioner of Gauteng West from 2018 until 2024.

The inclusive nature of Girl Guides and the range of skills taught to girls and young women is what Michelle loves most about the movement. The service component which is taught to members throughout the programme is what she feels puts members of Girl Guides in the position to be their best and serve their country as good citizens.