Only 19% of learners in the foundation phase can read for meaning by age 10.
South Africa’s education system faces challenges, including insufficient foundational literacy and numeracy skills among young learners. There is a need to scale successful interventions, improve teacher pedagogical skills, and address gaps in both pre-service and in-service teacher training.
The 2023 PIRLS Results proves that 81% if Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning.
Meaning that 8 out 10 learners in Grade 4 South African classrooms cannot read for meaning in any language causing them to fall behind in higher grades.
Our mission
Transforming Education for a Brighter Future
We are committed to improving foundational literacy and numeracy for young learners across South Africa. Through the development and distribution of high-quality Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM), we empower educators with comprehensive training and ongoing support. By collaborating with government and educational institutions, we aim to scale sustainable, impactful interventions.
Our goal is to drive systemic change in the education sector by equipping teachers, promoting effective teaching practices, and using research-driven strategies to ensure every learner achieves grade-level proficiency.
The BIG IDEA
Reading is a core skill
81% of children in South Africa’s Foundation Phase (Grades R to 3) are unable to read for meaning by the end of their first three years of school. Funda Wande, established in 2017, is working to change this by providing targeted interventions to improve early literacy. We are proud to be a member of the Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies.
To this end, the organisation’s mandate has been to test and scale solutions that equip and empower teachers to teach reading, specifically in African languages. We do this by developing high-quality learning, teaching support materials, pre-and in-service teacher professional development, and designing and supporting models that are rigorously researched. The insights gained from our independent evaluations are used to advocate and influence government take up and scale.
Our Approach
Partnering with Government for Nationwide Impact
Our mandate has been to test and scale solutions that equip and empower teachers to teach reading, specifically in African languages. Over the past five years, Funda Wande has developed high-quality teaching and learning support materials, teacher professional development programmes, and has been at the forefront of designing and supporting literacy and numeracy development models that are built on rigorous research and evidence. Frequent independent evaluations of the organisation’s work have provided useful insights that have been leveraged for advocacy purposes and to influence government uptake of solutions that have the potential for scale.
Evidence-based
Independently-evaluated
Policy-aligned
Cost-effective
Our History
2023
Strengthening Foundational Learning Across Provinces
In 2023, Funda Wande expanded its foundational literacy and numeracy programs across Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Western Cape, cementing its impact through strategic partnerships and sustainable interventions. In the Eastern Cape, Funda Wande transitioned coaching roles to Heads of Departments (HoDs), ensuring long-term teacher support. Limpopo saw continued success with Teaching Assistants (TAs), leading to significant learning gains. Meanwhile, in Western Cape, a full-scale rollout in Afrikaans and isiXhosa schools brought tailored materials and training to over 860 schools. These accomplishments mark a pivotal step towards equipping South African learners to read and calculate confidently by age 10.
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2022
Empowering Literacy and Numeracy Across Provinces
In 2022, Funda Wande made significant strides in educational impact across Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Western Cape, advancing literacy and numeracy in foundational years. With over 224 Teaching Assistants supporting schools in Eastern Cape, learners in Limpopo achieving 125% of a year’s learning in key subjects, and a partnership with the Western Cape Education Department reaching over 848 schools, the reach was both wide and impactful. Tailored programs, high-quality learning materials, and advocacy efforts drove these outcomes, positioning Funda Wande as a leading force in closing educational gaps and supporting South Africa’s youth to read with comprehension and calculate confidently by age 10.
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2021
Building Educational Resilience Amid COVID-19 Challenges
In 2021, Funda Wande focused on addressing COVID-19-related learning disruptions across Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Western Cape. Targeted interventions included deploying rigorously trained Teaching Assistants (TAs) to support teachers and learners, particularly in under-resourced schools. This approach led to remarkable gains, with Limpopo learners achieving up to 125% of expected annual learning in literacy and numeracy. Online support continued where in-person coaching was limited, though evaluations highlighted the importance of direct classroom interaction to maximize impact. These efforts underscore Funda Wande’s commitment to educational resilience and recovery across South Africa’s provinces.
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2021
Scaling Literacy and Numeracy Impact Across Provinces
In 2021, Funda Wande achieved significant strides in literacy and numeracy education, reaching thousands of children and teachers across South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Western Cape provinces. In the Eastern Cape, Funda Wande’s coaching model, integrated into the provincial Reading Academy, trained nearly 950 isiXhosa Foundation Phase teachers, fostering improved classroom practices in early literacy. In Limpopo, Funda Wande’s Teaching Assistant program brought impactful classroom support to 276 teachers, with 145 trained TAs helping improve literacy and numeracy skills, doubling previous gains seen in similar interventions. Meanwhile, in the Western Cape, Funda Wande developed and piloted literacy materials for Afrikaans-speaking schools, setting the stage for a provincial scale-up planned for 2023. These initiatives underscore Funda Wande’s commitment to building sustainable, scalable solutions in education, contributing to the goal that all children can read for meaning and calculate with confidence by age 10.
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2019
Expansion and Multi-Province Rollout, launch of Bala Wande
In 2019, Funda Wande embarked on a significant expansion, scaling its programs to reach more schools across the Eastern Cape and launching new interventions in Limpopo and the Western Cape. This growth was driven by a commitment to impact literacy in diverse regions and languages, adapting materials to local needs and training an increasing number of teachers. The organization’s staff expanded rapidly to support these efforts, marking a year of both programmatic and organizational growth. This pivotal year solidified Funda Wande’s role as a leader in foundational literacy and set the stage for its ongoing mission to ensure all children in South Africa learn to read for meaning by age 10.
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2018
First Field Implementation and Teacher Training
In 2018, Funda Wande launched its initial field implementation in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE), marking a major step forward in improving literacy instruction. During this pilot phase, 200 Language Subject Advisors, Foundation Phase Heads of Department, and Lead Teachers participated in a tailored training program, which featured Funda Wande’s innovative instructional videos and resources. This hands-on training provided educators with effective tools and strategies for teaching reading in isiXhosa, setting a foundation for Funda Wande’s growing impact on literacy education across South Africa.
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2017
Strengthening Foundational Learning Across Provinces
In 2017, Funda Wande transitioned from concept to action with the development of a pilot program aimed at improving reading instruction in South African schools. Supported by the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and additional funders, the team conducted extensive research and strategic planning, culminating in the Port Elizabeth Workshop. This workshop brought together educational experts to design a comprehensive reading course and framework. With a focus on practical tools like instructional videos and lesson plans, Funda Wande prepared for its first on-the-ground intervention, marking the official start of its journey to improve literacy in the Foundation Phase.
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2016
Strengthening Foundational Learning Across Provinces
In 2016, two critical reports, the Binding Constraints Report and the Laying Firm Foundations Report, highlighted that the most urgent challenge in South African education was that young children were not learning to read for meaning in their first three years of school. These insights drove the conception of Funda Wande. Through a pivotal presentation to the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, the groundwork was laid for an innovative program focused on equipping Foundation Phase teachers with the skills needed to teach reading effectively, setting Funda Wande’s mission to ensure that all children can read with confidence by age 10.
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Meet the team
Sihle Nontshokweni-Bikitsha
Head of Research
Sihle Nontshokweni-Bikitsha
Head of Research
Sihle Nontshokweni-Bikitsha is an education researcher and storyteller passionate about awakening curiosity in children through stories. She has led large-scale education initiatives, conducted research on student success, and designed data-driven programs that improve literacy outcomes. With expertise in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), monitoring & evaluation, and policy analysis, she brings a strong analytical grounding to education innovation.
Working on PIRLS research led her to publish childrens books as an intervention, giving birth to the award winning Wanda Childrens Book Series. Her childrens book Fly Afrika Fly, translated into 11 South African languages, reached over 3million children in South Africa for World Read Aloud Day 2021.
Sihle holds two master’s degrees from the University of Cape Town and Peking University, Beijing.
Salome Kgaabi
Office Assistant
Salome Kgaabi
Office Assistant
Salome Kgaabi is based in Limpopo, responsible for maintaining a clean, orderly, and welcoming office environment. With a strong work ethic and attention to detail, Salome ensures that the workspace is always hygienic, organised, and comfortable for staff and visitors.
Her daily responsibilities include maintaining office cleanliness standards, and supporting the overall upkeep of the facility. Through her consistency and dedication, she plays an essential role in creating a professional environment where teams can work efficiently and confidently.
Salome is known for her reliability, positive attitude, and pride in her work. She approaches every task—big or small—with care and commitment, understanding the important contribution she makes to the smooth functioning of the organisation.
Outside of her responsibilities, Salome values teamwork, respect, and contributing to a workplace culture where everyone feels supported.
Phumi Nhlapo
Chief Executive Officer
Phumi Nhlapo
Chief Executive Officer
Phumi is a well-rounded and mature strategic leader who is passionate about children and early grade literacy and numeracy. She brings extensive and strategic leadership experience in human resources management, government and public affairs, stakeholder engagement; communications, programme implementation and grant/fundraising from both the corporate and education NPO/NGO sectors. She has spent most of her career in the corporate environment, working for companies in the food manufacturing, telecoms, and oil & gas sectors industries. She transitioned to NPO sector in 2019, following her passion for children’s education and development.
Phumi has a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree and Post-grad Diploma in Human Resources Management from the University of KwaZulu Natal. She has completed leadership development programmes from Wits Business School and the Graduate School of Business’ Centre for Coaching. She has also served as a non-executive director on company boards after completing a Certified Director programme at the Institute of Directors of South Africa.
Simthembile Sibhayi
PM: Strateygy, Patnerships, Communications and Advocacy
Simthembile Sibhayi
PM: Strateygy, Patnerships, Communications and Advocacy
Simthembile Sibhayi is a resilient leader with a passion for fostering partnerships and amplifying impactful stories. With a Bachelor of Social Sciences (GEM), an Honours and Master’s in Community Development, he brings a strong educational foundation to his work. Known for his creativity, data-driven insights, and commitment to transformative education, Simthembile combines strategic thinking with authentic human connection to create lasting impact.
A natural collaborator, Simthembile thrives in empowering communities, tackling challenges with optimism and focus. Guided by his favourite quote, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” — Winston Churchill, he exemplifies dedication and resilience in his pursuit of positive change.
Zolani Metu
Head of Programmes
Zolani Metu
Head of Programmes
Zolani Metu is a Mandela Rhodes scholar and M&G Top 200 alumnus with a Masters in Social Work from the University of Cape Town. He also holds a BSW Majoring in Social Work & Psychology from UCT.
His work experience spans across Educational programme management, Corporate Social Investment Management (Private Banking), Entrepreneurial development and private mental healthcare.
Having worked in three countries including the USA, Burundi and South Africa, Zolani has experience in designing programmes, building corporate partnerships, Quantitative research and Teaching at university level.
“To scale programmes that have a tangible impact on foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes, we have to leverage private partnerships while advocating for government adoption and usage.” – Z. Metu.
Fundiswa Sayo
Lead: Eastern Cape Intervetion
Fundiswa Sayo
Lead: Eastern Cape Intervetion
Fundiswa is an experienced project manager and skilled grants administrator. Her expertise spans from managing bursaries and supporting students in higher education institutions to working in the NPO education sector.
She holds a Project Management qualification from the University of Johannesburg, as well as an Undergraduate Degree and a Postgraduate Diploma from the University of Cape Town. Her motto is, “I will contribute towards the educational development of rural children, even if it’s one learner at a time.”
Her passion lies in community literacy development.
Juliah Maphutha
Lead: Limpopo Intervention
Juliah Maphutha
Lead: Limpopo Intervention
Maphale Julia Maphutha is the Lead of the Limpopo Intervention at Funda Wande. She is deeply passionate about education and finds great joy in seeing children thrive in reading and writing. A committed philanthropist, Julia is dedicated to empowering both youth and adults in communities across South Africa.
In 2015, she initiated the Library Practice Learnership in Limpopo, which was successfully implemented from 2016 to 2017—an achievement featured in the ETDP SETA Up Skills Magazine (Issue No. 1, 2017).
Julia holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Limpopo. Before joining Funda Wande, she spent 14 years as a primary school language teacher, earning recognition and awards for her excellence in teaching reading. From 2012 to 2018, she worked with Room to Read, an international literacy organization, where she gained extensive experience in early literacy, coaching, facilitation, and material development.
Since joining Funda Wande in 2019, Julia has found the work both exciting and fulfilling. Her core responsibilities include versioning learning and teaching materials into Sepedi, Setswana, and Sesotho; identifying master teachers in each language; and overseeing the filming and editing of content.
Her guiding belief is:“Intensive support should be geared towards adults so that many children will receive more help—and more appropriate help.”
Nobuhle Mhlongo
Lead: Strategic Projects and Partnerships
Nobuhle Mhlongo
Lead: Strategic Projects and Partnerships
Introducing Nobuhle Mhlongo as the Lead for Strategic Projects and Partnerships. She is a linguistic specialist and education innovation strategist with extensive experience working across education ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her work has centred on supporting EdTech innovators in integrating multilingual content into digital learning platforms and leading impactful projects that strengthen education systems through inclusive and collaborative approaches.
Nobuhle holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Cape Town and is currently pursuing her PhD in Linguistics, with a focus on promoting the equal use of African languages in public domains. Her academic research reflects a deep commitment to linguistic justice and the advancement of African languages, earning her international recognition, including an award from the Sociolinguistics Symposium.
Outside of her professional work, Nobuhle is passionate about wellness, movement, and community. She is a self-declared gym fanatic and enjoys Latin, ballroom, and salsa social dancing. She also loves to travel and is especially fond of island life. In her personal capacity, Nobuhle founded The Writing Squad, a community designed to support postgraduate students navigating academia and research.
Through her work and research, Nobuhle remains committed to shaping inclusive education spaces and driving partnerships that reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of Africa.
Siphelele Khanya Gusha
PM : Western Cape Intervention
Siphelele Khanya Gusha
PM : Western Cape Intervention
Khanya is a result-oriented project manager with a background in the Corporate Social Investment industry and non-profit organizations, complemented by a Btech degree in Marketing. She possesses a keen passion for education.
In her previous role within the CSI/Non-Profit Sector, Khanya successfully managed projects aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community development. Her experiences have equipped her with strong strategic planning skills, stakeholder management expertise, and a deep understanding of leveraging resources effectively to achieve impactful outcomes. She is passionate about initiatives that empower individuals through education, and she is excited to contribute her skills and knowledge to support Funda Wande’s mission.
Outside of work, Khanya is an avid art enthusiast who finds joy in various creative pursuits such as painting, sketching, and engaging in any DIY projects. With her dream of one day amassing a collection of art pieces from various parts of the world, showcasing diverse cultures and artistic expressions.
Siwaphiwe Sibeko
Programmes Officer
Siwaphiwe Sibeko
Programmes Officer
Siwa is a passionate advocate for multilingualism, inclusivity, and education as a tool for social justice. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Anthropology and Environmental Sciences, an Honours degree in Social Anthropology, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Linguistics. Her research focuses on multilingual play and literacy.As the lead at Indibano Yeelwimi Language Services, Siwa champions linguistic diversity through translation and advocacy. Beyond this, her roles as a community developer, mentor, and coach reflect her commitment to fostering inclusive and empowering learning environments.Guided by her favourite quote, “True empowerment begins when every voice, in every language, finds space to be heard and valued.”
Thami Mali
Project Coordinator
Thami Mali
Project Coordinator
Nomathamsanqa Octavia Mali otherwise known as Thami is a well-spoken individual, a team player who prides herself with a vast administration background with different private sector companies. She has studied Logistics and has been privileged to do the admin work with companies that deal with such. She has been into youth development programs since the early stages of her life in the church and in her schooling days. She hopes to use her experience to further the Funda Wande mission. She will be based in the Gqeberha office as the Office and Logistics Coordinator and will be responsible for supporting the Funda Wande team in the EC with all travel and logistics request and ensuring efficient day to day running of the office.
Permie Isaac
Head: Content & Training
Permie Isaac
Head: Content & Training
Permie Isaac is currently the Head of Content at Funda Wande. Initially employed as a coach in the Eastern Cape intervention, Permie was quickly promoted to Maths Specialist, to Head of Maths Implementation, and finally to Head of Content. Her rapid career progression highlights the fundamental role she plays in Funda Wande and the clear advantages her deep knowledge of all content areas as well as teacher practice has for the organisation.
Before joining Funda Wande Permie worked as a lecturer at Rhodes University teaching PGCE and BEd students. She lectured two courses, IsiXhosa Methods and Education Environment. She also later lectured the Foundation Phase Literacy Teaching Short Course. Permie started her career as a successful Foundation Phase teacher in a struggling environment and holds a PGCE in Foundation Phase from Rhodes University.
In addition to her rich career and educational history, for the past 9 years Permie has emersed herself in many aspects of education, from working with experts in literacy and numeracy, curriculum planners, subject advisors, school management teams, teachers, parents and learners. Together this vast network of experience gives Permie essential insights into the educational system at various levels, providing her with critical knowledge into how key stakeholders work together to either ameliorate or exacerbate existing social inequalities.
Permie strongly believes that teachers are the most essential ingredient in shifting learner outcomes. Her key interest is in strategies to improve and sustain teacher practice within classrooms.
Ingrid Sapire
Maths Lead
Ingrid Sapire
Maths Lead
Ingrid Sapire has been involved in mathematics teacher education for 25 years. After teaching mathematics in schools, she began lecturing at the Johannesburg College of Education (JCE) (1993-2001). She was a materials developer and lecturer based at the RADMASTE Centre at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) (2003-2006) and then became a part time staff member (primarily as a researcher) in the Wits Education Department (2007 to present). She has been involved in the development and presentation of materials for mathematics teacher education courses and training programmes, has developed numerous systemic mathematics assessment instruments and has written and edited both high school and primary school mathematics textbooks and resource material. She has also developed and reviewed print based and online OER (open educational resource) material for mathematics teachers and teacher educators. She has worked as a writer and researcher for Wits, SAIDE (The South African Institute of Distance Education), the HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council) and JET (Joint Education Services). She has been involved in the implementation (at scale) of mathematics lesson plans (which are supported by bilingual learner material) for Foundation Phase teachers. In 2017-2018 she was the leader of the project Researching Multilingualism in Foundation Phase Mathematics and was the chairperson of a ministerial task team that developed a framework for the teaching of mathematics in South Africa schools. She is currently still based at Wits University and is working on her PhD, on multilingualism in Foundation Phase Mathematics. In 2019 she began working as the Head of Mathematics for the Bala Wande project.
Kamzati Mphalalo
Project Administrator
Kamzati Mphalalo
Project Administrator
Kamzati Mphalalo is an Office administrator assistant. He is responsible for carrying out the internal administration of the Eastern Cape Office. A Psychology graduate from the University Of Kwa Zulu Natal, where he has served as an academic liaison and secretary for Usizo Foundation. A student & Non-Profit Organization that’s geared towards enriching lives of youth through access to Education and Entrepreneurship. His fields of interest also include Organizational development and Food security.
Ambeswa Mgandela
Communications and Advocacy Officer
Ambeswa Mgandela
Communications and Advocacy Officer
Introducing Ambeswa Mgandela, our Communications and Advocacy Officer at Funda Wande. With her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, Geography, and Environmental and Sustainability Studies from the University of the Western Cape, Ambeswa infuses warmth and dedication into everything she does.
She’s not just about academics; Ambeswa’s journey is a testament to her passion for making a real difference. She completed the Communications Course for Civil Society as part of the Amplify I Mobilise I Change 2023 Cohort and the Digital Communication Short Course from the University of Cape Town, a testament to her commitment to growth and learning.
Ambeswa’s story with Funda Wande began as an eLearning Graduate Intern in 2022, where her energy and enthusiasm shone brightly. Over time, she’s blossomed into the Communications and Advocacy space, driven by her deep-rooted belief in the power of early childhood literacy and the urgent need to address social inequality.
Prof Sizwe Mabizela
Chair of the Board
Prof Sizwe Mabizela
Chair of the Board
Sizwe Mabizela is the Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University. Prior to assuming this position in 2014, he was the Deputy Vice- Chancellor: Academic & Student Affairs at Rhodes University. Sizwe Mabizela earned his doctorate in Mathematics at Pennsylvania State University in 1991. He has authored and co- authored several research papers in his field of interest, and these have been published in international journals. He has also presented several keynote/invited addresses at national and international conferences.
Between 1992 and 2003, Mabizela was an academic in the Department of Pure & Applied Mathematics at the University of Cape Town. He rose through the academic ranks to the level of Associate Professor and Deputy Head of Department. In 2004 he was offered and accepted the headship of, and full professorship in, the Department of Mathematics (Pure & Applied) at Rhodes University. For some years, Mabizela was a member of the South African Mathematics Olympiad Committee. In July 2014, he Chaired the 55th International Mathematics Olympiad, held at the University of Cape Town, the first time this international mathematics competition had ever been held under the African sky.
Mabizela has also served as a member and Chairperson of the Umalusi Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education & Training.
Wade Vencencie
Head of Finance and Operations
Wade Vencencie
Head of Finance and Operations
Wade is a registered CA(SA) with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. With over a decade of experience in financial management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. Before joining Funda Wande, he served as a Senior Financial Data Analyst and Head of Debt Collection in Bursaries and Student Fees, where he developed a strong track record in data-informed decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and compliance management.
Wade brings a people-first approach to finance, ensuring that systems and decisions serve the organisation’s broader mission of improving foundational literacy and numeracy in South Africa. He is deeply passionate about making finance human-centred and driving meaningful outcomes that empower communities and foster equitable opportunities through education.
Outside of work, Wade enjoys homebrewing craft beers with his latest success being a Dunkelweizen and exploring new hops and malt combinations. He’s also an avid DIYer, currently plotting the transformation of his garage from a storage cave into a functioning workspace.
Here are some Fun facts about Wade:
– I have a six year old son who loves numbers and thinks I know everything about them. He’s especially proud of himself when he manages to stump me.
– I use spreadsheets for personal planning too, from budgeting, to lists and tracking my homebrew recipes.
– I’m getting into DIY at home. Fixing up my garage is next because currently it’s just a storage unit.
Mehnaaz Kamroodien-Abdulla
PM: Operations
Mehnaaz Kamroodien-Abdulla
PM: Operations
Mehnaaz Kamroodien-Abdulla is a dynamic Project Manager with expertise in Operations and Human Resources, known for driving efficiency and fostering employee engagement in fast-paced environments. With a proven track record of streamlining processes, optimizing workflows, and cultivating collaborative workplace cultures, she bridges the gap between operational excellence and people-centric leadership.
Skilled in project planning, resource allocation, and a wide range of HR functions, Mehnaaz has successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact projects on time and within budget. Her background in Human Resources enables her to align talent management strategies with organizational goals, supporting both business growth and employee satisfaction.
Certified in various leadership and HR management portfolios, Mehnaaz combines strategic vision with hands-on execution. Passionate about mentorship and workplace innovation, she actively champions initiatives that enhance productivity and promote employee well-being.
Outside of work, Mehnaaz enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and embracing the fresh air of life.
Mahlatse Josephine Sekgobela
Training Facilitator
Mahlatse Josephine Sekgobela
Training Facilitator
Mahlatse Sekgobela is a Training Facilitator based in Limpopo. She graduated from University of Limpopo with BA honours in Applied Languages and a bachelor’s degree in Multilingual studies.
Corresponded with University of South Africa in Post Graduate Certificate in Education majoring in English Language, in the year 2023 and , upskilled herself with a Coaching and leadership course under the Upskillist online programme in the same year.
She volunteered as a student mentor at University of Limpopo under Centre of Academic Excellence for a period of two years (2017-2018), Mentoring First year and second year students with Languages and translation.
Worked with various organisations such as University of Limpopo Information and Communication Technology as Computer lab supervisor for the year (2018 -2019) and at Department of Education as EPWP teacher assistant for the year 2020 before joining Funda Wande as a Teacher Assistant in the year 2020 until 2021 when she started working as Teacher Assistant Mentor at Funda Wande. While working as a Teacher Assistant Mentor she engaged with different stakeholders in the Education sector such as Circuit Managers, District Officials during the Foundation Phase Learner Enrichment Activities and in 2022 she was awarded certificate for Adjudicating LEA Competitions under Mankweng Circuit which was handed over by the Circuit Manager.
She is deep rooted in Developing youth, Facilitating workshops and teaching learners ,She also believes that her passionate drive in helping learners fit well with the Company’s mission and vision.
Fun facts: She likes taking pictures for content that is shared within a small social media platform, captioning every moment. Hobbies cooking and Reading horoscope diaries.
Reneilwe Mate Matjutla
Training Facilitator
Reneilwe Mate Matjutla
Training Facilitator
Reneilwe holds BEd honours in learning support from University of Pretoria, bachelor’s degree in accounting sciences from Unisa, Diploma in education for Secondary phase, Certificate in educational management, Assessor course Certificate and Certificate in foundation phase literacy teaching from Rhodes University.
Prior to joining Funda Wande, Reneilwe worked 16 years at the Department of Education as a Teacher and Departmental Head for commercial subjects. She joined Funda Wande in March 2021 as a Teacher Assistant Mentor. In 2022 she got promoted to Senior Teacher Assistant Mentor. As a Mentor and Senior Mentor, she trained and supported the teacher assistants and Foundation Phase teachers from different schools, giving them guidance and feedback through regular school visits. In 2024 she got the position of Training Facilitator at Funda Wande where she continues to execute her expertise in training the teachers and teacher interns and material development.
As someone who values education, possesses excellent organizational skills and can connect easily with learners, working at Funda Wande is the perfect opportunity for her to continue her professional development. She believes that her experience and passion for teaching would be the ideal fit for the philosophy and values for the Company.
Motto: “Empowering young minds, one smile at a time, while embracing my own serenity”.
Sibabaliwe Zwide
E-Learning Coordinator
Sibabaliwe Zwide
E-Learning Coordinator
Siba brings over five years of experience in the learning and development space, with a strong foundation in digital learning. She has a passion for creating accessible, engaging and impactful learning experiences. A proud 3 times Graduate from Nelson Mandela University, Siba is currently pursuing a Master’s in Labour Relations and Human Resources, deepening her commitment to skills development and digital transformation in the today’s evolving world. She combines digital innovation with dynamic facilitation skills, and a deep belief in the power of accessible education.
Her mission at Funda Wande is to champion impactful innovation, making learning enjoyable and advocate that education should be empowering- not burdensome.
She’s known for her vibrant personality and loves to talk… except when asked to answer, “Tell us about yourself!”. Her favourite quote is, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime” which is the drive for her passion in learning and development.
Tafadzwa Mutanha
Research Analyst
Tafadzwa Mutanha
Research Analyst
Mutanha Tafadzwa is a dynamic Development Economist and Research Analyst with over 8 years of cross-cutting experience in evidence-based policy research, local economic development, social impact assessment, and implementation research. His career journey has been rooted in a deep commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, with a particular focus on translating data and economic insights into practical strategies for governments, communities, and institutions.
Mutanha began his professional path as a Development Economist, working across rural and urban contexts to unpack complex socio-economic challenges, design feasibility studies, and craft business plans with a strong emphasis on agri-village models, renewable energy infrastructure, and regional development. As a Local Economic Development Manager, he worked closely with municipalities to drive integrated development planning, investment attraction, and community-led initiatives, ensuring alignment with national and SADC-level development goals.
His passion for social equity and evidence-informed decision-making led him into the field of Social Impact Assessments, where he led several multi-stakeholder projects, evaluating the social dimensions of infrastructure and energy developments. Mutanha has since grown into a versatile Researcher, blending qualitative and quantitative methods and evidence synthesis in his work with various think tanks, consultancies, and non-profits.
Joining Funda Wande as a Research Analyst marks an exciting new chapter in his mission to help children learn to read for meaning and calculate with confidence. Mutanha brings to the team a wealth of experience in education economics, and systems thinking all anchored in a strong belief in the transformative power of foundational learning.
Outside of work, Mutanha is a Formula 1 and cricket enthusiast. Whether live or binge-watching classic matches or analysing race strategies, he finds inspiration and joy in the rhythm, precision, and drama of sport.
Tutula Diniso
Instructional Coach- EC
Tutula Diniso
Instructional Coach- EC
Born and raised in the heart of rural Mqanduli, Eastern Cape, Tutula is a seasoned educator determined to be the catalyst for quality education. She has worked as a coach at Axium Education and Funda Wande.
Beyond the classroom, she channels her energy into the world of netball coaching, a passion that stems from her days as an accomplished player.
Sarah Murray
PM: University Training
Sarah Murray
PM: University Training
Training at Funda Wande. In collaboration with the Centre for Social Development at Rhodes University, she has developed an Advanced Certificate in Foundation Phase Literacy Teaching.
A variety of open-source resources have been created as part of this project, including videos and an on-line App. Sarah is responsible for continuing the development of the Advanced Certificate and fully aligned Short Courses. She is also responsible for extending the use of the resources to other contexts and for advocating for the improvement of literacy teacher education.
Sarah has extensive experience in teacher education and curriculum development, and has taught at undergraduate, Honours and Masters level.
Lona Matuntuta
Communications & Advocacy Intern
Lona Matuntuta
Communications & Advocacy Intern
Introducing Lona Matuntuta as the Communications & Advocacy Intern. With a background in journalism and a passion for meaningful communication, Lona is drawn to the power of language to build trust, spark ideas, and create genuine connections. She values clarity, empathy, and honesty – qualities that shape both her professional work and personal interactions.
Lona holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Rhodes University, where she honed her skills in storytelling, critical thinking, and media engagement. Her love for storytelling extends beyond the professional realm – whether it’s through reading, writing short stories (and accidentally losing them), or curating music playlists that match a mood or moment.
Outside of work, Lona enjoys exploring different forms of narrative, from binge-worthy series to experimental recipes in the kitchen.
Curious, thoughtful, and creative, Lona brings a fresh perspective to the team, with a strong belief in the role of communication in driving change.
Sisamkele Mgudlwa
Programmes Administrator - WC
Sisamkele Mgudlwa
Programmes Administrator - WC
Sisamkele rejoins Funda Wande as the Programmes Administrator after being an HR Assistant Intern in 2024.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the Western Cape, where she majored in Industrial Psychology. With a solid background in administrative work, Sisamkele brings with her a wealth of experience and a meticulous, detail-oriented approach that strengthens our operations.
Beyond the workplace, she’s a passionate sports enthusiast, especially when it comes to football, and enjoys a lifestyle that strikes the perfect balance between cozy comforts and adventurous exploration.
Sivuyisiwe Kuse
Research Specialist
Sivuyisiwe Kuse
Research Specialist
Introducing Sivuyisiwe Kuse (warmly known as Siwe). With over seven years of experience across civil society, academia, and both the public and private sectors, Siwe brings deep insight and interdisciplinary expertise to the work of building a more just and equitable South Africa. As a consultant and researcher, she has contributed to projects spanning Just Energy Transitions, digital rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, public health, and climate resilience.
Her work has involved collaborations with organisations such as the Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change, Power Futures Lab, and international partners including The World Bank, WHO, and UNICEF — always championing evidence-based approaches to tackling complex social and environmental challenges.
Outside of her professional work, Siwe is an avid traveler (from the deserts of Namibia to the streets of Berlin), a noodle enthusiast, and the curator of Bad Nihilist, a digital publication fostering community dialogue. if she wasn’t in this current line of work, she would be touring the world with her baritone saxophone.
Khanya Mphahlwa
Digital Media Manager
Khanya Mphahlwa
Digital Media Manager
Khanya Mpahlwa is a multidisciplinary creative practitioner Video Editor, Videographer, Photographer, Colourist, Graphic Designer, and Music Producer with over a decade of sustained contribution to the South African creative industry. He has spent the past eight years at Funda Wande, where he works as a Video Editor and Videographer producing educational video content for the South African education sector. Over this period, Mpahlwa has played a significant role in shaping the organisation’s visual identity and overall look and feel, contributing meaningfully to the quality and coherence of the work delivered across Funda Wande’s portfolio. One of the projects he is most proud to have contributed to is Reading Academy and The Reading Panel.
Before joining Funda Wande, Khanya was instrumental in delivering creative work for a range of organisations, including collaborations with VW Qhubeka, the United Nations, the Children’s Radio Foundation, Red Bull and Red Bull Amaphiko, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UCT GSB, the Raymond Ackerman Academy, and UNICEF, among others.
He is particularly excited by the future of AI and is intentionally developing his capabilities to align with where each industry he works in is headed especially education so that the work remains innovative, effective, and future-ready.
Across every project, Mpahlwa is recognised for combining technical excellence with a strong narrative instinct—translating complex ideas into clean, compelling visual stories that elevate brands, strengthen learning outcomes, and leave a lasting impact.
Glory Maxakana
Instructional Coach- EC
Glory Maxakana
Instructional Coach- EC
Glory kickstarted her educational journey in 1989 at Algoa College of Education and served as a teacher at Ntyantyambo Primary School for over two decades. She joined Funda Wande in 2019 – 2021 diving into literacy and mathetics coaching.
Between 2022 and 2023 to Read Educational Trust as a Primary School Literacy Coach. Glory rejoins Funda Wande as an Instructional Coach based in the Eastern Cape. She is a devoted wife and a mother of three who treasures time with her family.
Hannah Esterhuizen
Foundation Phase Specialist - Afrikaans
Hannah Esterhuizen
Foundation Phase Specialist - Afrikaans
Hannah Esterhuizen brings over 30 years of rich experience in education, having served in various roles including Foundation Phase teacher, Multigrade educator, Learning Support teacher, Inclusive Education team member, Department Head, Principal, and Curriculum Advisor. She has worked across both rural and urban settings, navigating diverse socio-economic contexts with dedication and insight. Each role, she says, prepared her for the next—culminating in her current position.
On 1 February 2024, Hannah stepped into the role of Foundation Phase Specialist: Afrikaans at Funda Wande.
Over the past four years, she has witnessed the tangible impact of Funda Wande’s focus on Reading for Meaning—not only in improving learners’ academic performance, but also in boosting their confidence across all subjects. Hannah finds particular fulfilment in empowering educators to support learners who are struggling. “Enabling educators to assist struggling learners gives me special joy,” she shares.
She sees her new role—as a Coach of Coaches—as a natural and exciting progression in her lifelong commitment to strengthening foundational learning in South Africa.
Lumka Ndlungwana
Foundation Phase Specialist - IsiXhosa
Lumka Ndlungwana
Foundation Phase Specialist - IsiXhosa
Lumka Ndlungwana is the IsiXhosa Specialist supporting all Western Cape primary schools that offer IsiXhosa as a Home Language. Her mission is to ensure that every child in the province can read for meaning by the age of 10 by 2030.
With experience as both a teacher mentor and subject advisor, Lumka has spent her career supporting and mentoring teachers to improve daily classroom practice. She believes every child has the potential to succeed when given the right opportunities and support.
Lumka is guided by the values of integrity, care, courage, accountability, and responsiveness—principles she brings into every aspect of her work.
Juliet McGear
Project Coordinator- WCI
Juliet McGear
Project Coordinator- WCI
Juliet is an accomplished professional with extensive work experience in the fields of Publishing, Adult Learning, Education,Project Management and Training and Development. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, a National Diploma in Early Childhood Development, and a certificate in Practical Labour Law, she has been able to apply her knowledge and expertise across a wide range of industries and contexts.
As an Adult Learning blended learning trainer, she focused on developing and delivering training programs that met the diverse needs of adult learners, specifically those who did not manage to complete or obtain a National Senior Certificate.
In the field of Education, Juliet has been able to leverage her knowledge of Early Childhood Development to facilitate, promote and manage effective learning experiences for young students. Juliet was responsible for the research and registration of the start-up, non-profit teacher training institute as a service provider with relevant governing bodies to offer Early Childhood Development (ECD) qualifications with the ETDP-SETA and QCTO. Furthermore, she was in charge of overseeing the alignment of the Teacher training institute’s local and international qualifications, the assessment of Portfolios of Evidence, quality assurance and compliance to ensure the outcomes and standards are met.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.In addition to completing the Associated Montessori International Early Childhood Development 3 to 6 programme, she has attended numerous professional development workshops and conferences.
Her passion for education and training has driven her to pursue opportunities to make a positive impact in her community.
Malie Grutter
PM: Workbook Development
Malie Grutter
PM: Workbook Development
My first job in education publishing was as a curriculum developer and writer for the PROTEC World-of-Work course. That was 1994. Many years in the commercial education publishing sector honed skills from authoring, to editing and publishing. This broad-ranging experience has led to a deep understanding of the educational content development process and curriculum requirements.
I am grateful to have come full circle, back to working with an educational NPO. For me there is no more meaningful or fitting reason to put shoulder to the wheel. I work alongside the Funda Wande Production team, who happen to be a group of very accomplished and committed contributors to learning and making meaning.
Claudine Willatt-Bate
Senior Typesetter
Claudine Willatt-Bate
Senior Typesetter
Claudine is part of the design team at Funda Wande which produces the educational material for print. She studied Financial Information Systems and planned to work in the IT sector. Things took a different turn though, and Claudine now has 25 years of design and typesetting experience and has freelanced for all the major educational and trade publishers in the country.
Lorna Sako
Maths Specialist
Lorna Sako
Maths Specialist
Dr Lorna Sako joined Funda Wande on 19 April 2021. She holds the position of Maths specialist: Limpopo intervention. Her focus is on supporting the implementation of Bala Wande in participating Sepedi LOLT schools by building Teacher and Teacher Assistant mentor capacity and understanding of instructional Foundation Phase Mathematics and participating in Bala Wande materials development.
Prior to joining Funda Wande Lorna worked as a temporary lecturer at the University of Limpopo and taught BEd Foundation Phase Literacy and Life Orientation. She is a teacher by profession and worked in special schools for 21 years. She is passionate about early intervention in the Foundation Phase in order to address barriers to learning and making learning fun and comfortable for learners. She holds a PhD degree in Adult Community and Continuing Education from the university of Limpopo.
Nomazizi Ncamazana
Coach / Foundation Phase Specialist
Nomazizi Ncamazana
Coach / Foundation Phase Specialist
Nomazizi is currently a literacy and Mathematics coach at Funda Wande based in King William’ s town where she is couching teachers in Buffalo City Metro.She has a Bed honours degree. She has taught in foundation phase for 21 years of which in those years she managed to be a foundation phase HOD for 6 years. In 2016 she was chosen by the district officials in Gauteng province to be a language lead teacher of which she was leading 21 schools with 36 HOD ‘s. She also worked as a translator on a part time basis , translating foundation phase provincial mathematics paper in Gauteng.
In 2019 she worked as a project team assistant for Bala Wande where she was translating and editing the isiXhosa version of the material,working as video team assistant director,video footage coding and general office support in the Johannesburg office .She was also hired as a coach at Funda Wande on 2 months contract in 2020.
Her passion is on investing tremendously on the development of teachers in curricula related matter. Teaching and learning precisely is regarded as the core engine that the human capital that is a teacher has to drive in any school. Teachers hold a fundamental potential that creates and shapes our learners. Hence she more continous investment pertaining teaching and learning have to be done.This is the reason she joined Funda Wande which is an initiative that is aimed at improving and strengthening teachers effectiveness in teaching isiXhosa and Maths. In her view it goes without say that each child deserves to learn from a masterful teacher in order for them to read for meaning and calculate with confidence.
Babalwa Tyalana
Foundation Phase Instructional Coach - EC
Babalwa Tyalana
Foundation Phase Instructional Coach - EC
Babalwa Tyalana is currently a Literacy Coach for Funda Wande in Eastern Cape, in the Sarah Baartman District. Before joining Funda Wande, she was a Foudation Phase teacher for 5 years in the Western Cape Department of Education. She studied her Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Rhodes University in Grahamstown. Before Rhodes University, she worked for Ubuntu Pathway, where she developed her passion for developing a child’s education and changing lives. At Ubuntu, she ran an After School Program and ran Holiday Camps for the orphaned and vulnerable children.
Phuti Masenya
Sepedi Literacy Specialist
Phuti Masenya
Sepedi Literacy Specialist
Phuti is a Literacy Coach at Funda Wande, working in Limpopo Province, Capricorn District. She supports Foundation phase teachers in Grades 1-3 on teaching reading. She joined Funda Wande in July 2019 as a consultant and was recruited on a fulltime basis in October. As Funda Wande, we envision a world where all learners by the age of 10, will be able to read for meaning.
Prior to working at Funda Wande, Phuti worked for a literacy organization called Room to Read, from 2012 to 2018. She was involved in establishing libraries in the project schools, training and supporting teacher-librarians and foundation phase teachers in the library and the classroom.
She is both a teacher and librarian by profession. She holds a Secondary Teachers Diploma (S.T.D) and an Honours degree in Library and Information Science from University of the North, (now Limpopo). She is a qualified Assessor, Moderator and Facilitator, accredited with ETDP SETA.
Phuti is passionate about reading and is prepared to do everything in her power to ensure that in all our project schools, learners are able to read for meaning. She is a registered member of LIASA (Library and Information Association of South Africa). She is also the National Public Relations Officer for SLYSIG (School Libraries and Youth Services Interest Groups).
She has been part of the Funda Wande team that developed Sepedi lessons for grades 1 to 3. Moreover, she has participated in filming grades 1 to 3 lessons for YouTube.
She echoes the same sentiment with the late Tata Nelson Mandela when he said: âIt always seems impossible until it is doneâ?. Together, we can do it.
Thobeka Ndamase
Instructional Coach- EC
Thobeka Ndamase
Instructional Coach- EC
Thobeka is currently a Literacy Coach at Funda Wande based in King William’s Town where she is coaching teachers in the Buffalo City Metro. She has a B.Ed honours degree, is a qualified assessor and is currently completing her Masters in Development Studies. Thobeka has 28 years teaching experience of which 26 years was dedicated to teaching mathematics in the intersen phase and other subjects informed by unavailability of a teacher. She has taught foundation phase in many schools and is currently tutoring students specializing in Grade R at SANTS.
Clare Verbeek
Senior Literacy Coordinator
Clare Verbeek
Senior Literacy Coordinator
Clare Verbeek is part of Funda Wande’s content development team. Clare has been involved in the education field in both rural and urban contexts since 1981. She has worked as a teacher, community educator and educational materials developer, and as an academic at the Universities of KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Town. Clare’s PhD was about teaching reading for meaning in mainstream South African schools.
Thina Daniel
IT Operations & Informations Coordinator
Thina Daniel
IT Operations & Informations Coordinator
Thina Daniel is a Filmmaker and Community Journalist, she has graduate as a documentary film making. In 2011 Thina attended the Big Fish School Documentary filmmaking she studied under the tutoring on Melanie Chart, and that is where she received her training to be film maker. In 2012 she received her first job in the industry working as an Office manager for an Organisation called StreetTalk and was soon promoted to working as an Editor for the organisation, she was selected to go to the United States to go accept an award behalf of the organisation.
She has also worked independently and one of the biggest jobs she has done independently was a job she did for the Robben Island Museum in 2018. Moreover, she has worked for the Big Fish School of Digital Film making and some of films she edited were nominated for festivals.
Thina is currently working for Funda Wande as an IT Operations & Informations Coordinator previously a Video Editor.
As Community Journalist she was amongst the group of women who fought hard for the Social grants, and has continued to be a journalist for the community.
Jolene Gallet
PM: Content & Training
Jolene Gallet
PM: Content & Training
Jolene was one of the first team members to join Funda Wande in July 2017. She started her career off in London working as a designer and layout artist for various newspapers and magazines. Her adventurous spirit took her to all corners of the earth volunteering and working at various organizations in Uganda, India, USA, Hong Kong, Ireland and the UK.
With a degree in Video Technology, filmmaking and telling stories is at the heart of who she is. Having gained experience in production on award-winning, international films, commercials and documentaries she has a knack for juggling a million balls in the air at the same time. At Funda Wande, she ensures the engine room keeps running smoothly with all operations and supporting the full Funda Wande team.
Jermaine Boyle
Materials Coordinator
Jermaine Boyle
Materials Coordinator
Jermaine has over 21 years of print procurement and publishing experience and has freelanced for some of the major educational and trade publishers in the country.
His current role in the Funda Wande production team involves Print Procurement & Publishing production trafficking & sourcing freelance production consultants.
Phoebe Sibomana
Executive Assistant and Office Adminstrator
Phoebe Sibomana
Executive Assistant and Office Adminstrator
Phoebe Sibomana is a skilled Office Administrator and Executive Assistant with extensive experience in executive support and organisational management. She holds an Honours Degree in Development Studies and is committed to continuous professional growth.
In 2024, she completed the Allan Gray Leadership Academy for New Managers programme through Stellenbosch University. She has also undertaken personal development training through MyGrow’s Emotional Intelligence course, as well as several Upskillist programmes, including a Diploma in Financial Planning.
With a solid background in the literacy-focused non-profit sector, Phoebe brings both passion and professionalism to her work. She is deeply committed to ensuring that all children have access to quality education, recognising it as a critical foundation for lifelong success.
Siphokazi Gwentshula
Events and Logistics Coordinator
Siphokazi Gwentshula
Events and Logistics Coordinator
Siphokazi is an experienced Project Administrator with over 14 years of professional experience spanning operations, administration, and sales. She joined Funda Wande in 2017 as a Project Administrator.
Siphokazi has worked in both the private and non-profit sectors, holding roles at respected organisations such as Grindrod Logistics, Nampak, the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention, and most recently at Jawitz Properties as a Property Consultant.
She is highly skilled in customer service, office administration, internal and external sales, Microsoft Office, and interpersonal communication. Known for her ability to engage effectively with clients at all levels, she consistently meets and exceeds performance targets.
With a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to learning, she brings reliability, adaptability, and a high level of professionalism to every role. Her passion lies in supporting teams to deliver impactful work and driving operational excellence.
Nosipho Mazolwana
HR Officer
Nosipho Mazolwana
HR Officer
Nosipho Mazolwana is a dedicated Human Resources professional with over 10 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, with a strong focus on HR operations. She has successfully led strategic HR initiatives that enhance employee engagement, drive performance, and foster positive workplace relations.
Nosipho holds a qualification in Human Resource Management from Tshwane University of Technology and has a proven track record in talent acquisition, training, and staff development. She is well-versed in labour law compliance and is passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace.
Committed to continuous improvement, Nosipho believes in leveraging innovative HR solutions to support organizational growth and success.
Michael Louw
Maths Specialist
Michael Louw
Maths Specialist
Michael Louw is a Maths Specialist who is deeply committed to improving Maths education through equity, collaboration, and compassion. He believes that meaningful progress in learning is achieved when systems, educators, and learners work together with a shared purpose.
He holds a BCom in Accounting and Marketing, a BCom Honours degree, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, as well as a New Leaders Development Certificate from Wits. He is currently completing his Master of Commerce degree at Wits University.
Beyond his professional role, Michael is actively involved in mentoring and tutoring students at Wits and volunteers as a Youth Leader and Youth Tutorial Coordinator at Every Nation Rosebank Church. Outside of work, he enjoys gym and exercise, travelling, and keeping up with ultra-fast fashion trends, particularly on social media.
Ingrid Richards
Typesetter
Ingrid Richards
Typesetter
Ingrid has been a typesetter in the publishing industry since the early 80s. Her main focus has been the design and layout of educational material for various publishers. She is part of the production team at Funda Wande.
Tabisa Booi
PM: Universities & Training
Tabisa Booi
PM: Universities & Training
Tabisa is an educator committed to shaping the future of Foundation Phase teaching. She completed her Master of Education full thesis, where she researched early grade Mathematics and contributed to strengthening understanding in the early years. She also holds a Bachelor of Honours in Bilingualism for Access and Diversity, which has enabled her to design engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young learners.
Her academic journey began with a BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching from Rhodes University, and she has gained extensive teaching experience across Grade R to Grade 3. Now focused on teacher training, her work centres on supporting educators to improve literacy and numeracy teaching practices. Her research interests include literacy and numeracy development, with a strong emphasis on language as an inclusive factor in classroom contexts.
Zimkhitha Peter
Board Member
Zimkhitha Peter
Board Member
Zimkhitha Peter is the Chief Executive Officer at Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy South Africa. Her passion is to nurture entrepreneurial potential in young people and seeks to make a contribution to the alleviation of poverty and the improvement of socio-economic factors in the country.
Zimkhitha holds a Bcom Honours in Industrial Psychology (UNISA) and a Leadership Development qualification from Harvard Business School. Her desire is to see the Foundation as the centre of excellence in the development of entrepreneurial capabilities.
Maya Makanjee
Board Member
Maya Makanjee
Board Member
Maya Makanjee has held numerous executive roles in South African companies and currently sits on the boards of Tiger Brands, Mpact, AIG, Truworths International, NOSA, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Maya Makanjee obtained a Master’s degree in Business Leadership (MBL) degree through the University of South Africa, graduating cum laude, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban. After her schooling, she spent four years at the University of Mumbai, where she obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. She has also completed the Program for Executive Development at the IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Ms Makanjee has held executive director positions in financial services, human resources, marketing communications, corporate affairs, strategy and business re-engineering. Her executive roles have included that of Chief Officer, Corporate Affairs at Vodacom; CEO of FinMark Trust; Corporate Affairs Director for Africa and Asia at SABMiller; Communications, Public Affairs and Human Resources Director for Southern and Eastern Africa at Nestle; and Deputy Group Executive for Strategic Planning at Telkom, amongst others.
Vuyokazi Mafilika
Foundation Phase Instructional Coach - EC
Vuyokazi Mafilika
Foundation Phase Instructional Coach - EC
Vuyokazi Mafilika is currently a Maths Specialist Coach at Funda Wande based in Grahamstown. She has been involved in the field of education for 30yrs and has 20 years of experience working with schools in the Eastern Cape Province. She taught Maths for 10 years at Thandokhulu High School in the Western Cape. In 2001 – 2004 she joined Maths Centre and was involved in the National Maths project called Quality Learning Project working with High School Teachers. In 2005 – 2006 she worked for different organisations in the field of education and later in 2007-2020 she joined Edupeg / Edufundi as mentor supporting teachers in Maths and instructional practice.
She obtained Bed Hons from University of South Africa, FDE (Maths) from University of Cape Town, Senior Teachers Diploma from Lumko College of Education and she is currently studying towards Masters in Science Education with University of Fort Hare. She is passionate about Education.
Nomalungelo Zono
Foundation Phase Instructional Coach - EC
Nomalungelo Zono
Foundation Phase Instructional Coach - EC
Nomalungelo is a literacy coach at Funda Wande. She joined Funda Wande in January 2021, after teaching the Foundation and Intermediate Phase for 23 years. Nomalungelo did her Senior Primary Teachers’ Diploma (SPTD) at Cape College of Education. She went on to complete her BEd degree majoring in Foundation and Intermediate Phase at Fort Hare University after teaching for a number of years. In 2021, Nomalungelo is completing her BEd Honours degree, with her mini research project focusing on the challenge that many primary school children in township schools have, which is the challenge of reading and writing.
Nomalungelo has been involved in literacy projects which aim to develop reading and writing at a primary school level. She has also been involved in many school committees which include being a part of the school management team. She was also the Foundation Phase Head of Department (HOD) of her previous school until 2019.
Her vision is to see all learners in South Africa being confident in reading, so that they may be successful in all their pursuits in life, using the skills they learnt in reading.
Nomvuzo Vazi
Foundation Phase Instructional Coach - EC
Nomvuzo Vazi
Foundation Phase Instructional Coach - EC
Nomvuzo is a Literacy Coach at Funda Wande, supporting schools under the Volkswagen Community Trust Programme. She brings 27 years of experience in education, having served as a Foundation Phase teacher and later as Head of Department at Molefe Primary School, where she also had the opportunity to act as Principal in 2019.
Throughout her career, Nomvuzo has been actively involved in various school programmes and committees. She holds a Junior Primary Diploma from Algoa College and furthered her qualifications with an Advanced Certificate in Management and Organisation.
She was nominated and appointed as a Cluster Leader for seven schools, overseeing curriculum implementation, and was also elected to facilitate training on the CAPS curriculum and Mathematics proficiency within the Nelson Mandela Metro.
Committed to continuous learning and professional growth, Nomvuzo has participated in numerous workshops focused on educational leadership and classroom practice. These include Roles and Responsibilities of Subject Heads, Reading in the Foundation Phase, and Funda Wande Anthology Training, among others.
Rizwana Pienaar
Media Intern
Rizwana Pienaar
Media Intern
Introducing Rizwana Pienaar warmly known as Riz as the Media Intern. She brings a thoughtful and intentional approach to her work, driven by a deep passion for knowledge, creativity, and meaningful impact. For Rizwana, knowledge is a powerful tool — one that allows us to grow, connect, and better understand the world and each other.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and Psychology from IIE Varsity College, she is especially interested in the intersection of learning, behaviour, and technology. Her passion for mental wellness and intentional communication informs both her professional and personal life, where she seeks to create spaces that uplift and empower.
Outside of work, Rizwana expresses herself through journaling, poetry, painting, and photography. She’s a lifelong learner with a deep curiosity about human behaviour and a love for spiritual and cultural exploration. Whether immersed in a good book or surrounded by nature, she finds joy in the quiet moments that foster reflection and growth.
Known as the “therapist friend,” Rizwana has a natural ability to hold space for others, often becoming a trusted confidant. Interestingly, she chooses to live without social media, preferring more mindful and present ways of connecting with the world around her.
Phumeza Halonisi
E-Learning Intern
Phumeza Halonisi
E-Learning Intern
Introducing Phumeza Halonisi as our new E-Learning Intern at Funda Wande. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Journalism from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. With her journalism background, she values honest and thoughtful communication, believing that stories can educate, connect people, and drive positive change, especially when used to uplift communities. She is also deeply committed to continuous growth and embraces new skills, ideas, and perspectives that allow her to improve and contribute meaningfully.
Outside of work, Phumeza enjoys reading books, spending time with family and friends, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. A few fun facts about her: she has recently started learning Shona, she knows the basics of the language, and she considers a good cup of coffee an essential part of her daily routine for focus and productivity.
Manoko Manamela
PM: Operations and HR (Limpopo)
Manoko Manamela
PM: Operations and HR (Limpopo)
Manoko joined Funda Wande in October 2020 as the HR Officer of the Limpopo branch. She holds honours graduate in Human Resource Management with 6 years experience in HR, Sale Admin, Payroll and Invoicing with a very good understanding of human resources.
Manoko is an energetic and career driven young professional and passionate about what she does.
Tshegofatso Letswalo
Human Resources Business Partner
Tshegofatso Letswalo
Human Resources Business Partner
Tshegofaso is a dedicated Human Resources Business Partner with a strong passion for people, their growth, purpose, and wellbeing. She finds fulfillment in creating environments where individuals can thrive, whether through thoughtful HR strategies or nurturing her children’s curiosity at home. Tshegofatso strives to bring structure, care, and inspiration to every space she touches, helping others become the best version of themselves.
She holds a BCom Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology from UNISA and a BCom in Industrial Psychology from the University of Johannesburg.
Outside of work, Tshegofatso is devoted to her family and enjoys making learning engaging and meaningful for her children. Her faith grounds her and shapes her approach to growth, relationships, and wellness. She also has a keen interest in interior design and home organisation, and finds balance through time in nature, quiet reflection, and intentional living.
Fun fact: Tshegofatso is short enough to fit perfectly in the front of every group photo!
Hlela Tofi
Research and Development Coordinator
Hlela Tofi
Research and Development Coordinator
Introducing Hlela Tofi as the new R&D Coordinator.
She is deeply passionate about children’s development and is constantly exploring meaningful ways to nurture their endless potential.
She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Legal Studies and Political Sciences, as well as a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Sciences from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her academic background strengthens her analytical approach and commitment to research that informs practical, impactful solutions.
Outside of her professional work, Hlela enjoys experimenting with new recipes, getting lost in a good book, and taking long beach walks. She has an inexplicable fear of dogs and a laugh that fills any room, so you will likely hear her before you see her.