Lulu Ngcobo is the Executive Director of Clowns Without Borders South Africa. Lulu has over 21 years’ experience working in the Non-Profit-Sector. Her main interests are in the management and strategic growth of organisations delivering relevant programming to communities. Prior to working for Non-Profit-Organisations, Lulu worked in both the private and faith-based sector. Lulu holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management; Honours in Theology, Post Graduate Diploma in Management and is completing her Master of Commerce degree in Management. 

Anna Booij is an international development specialist with over 15 years of experience in programme design, adaptation and evaluation across Africa, Asia and Europe. As Head of Content Solutions at Clowns Without Borders South Africa, she leads the co-design and localisation of evidence-based parenting programmes, including the digital and in-person Parenting for Lifelong Health initiatives. Before joining CWBSA, Anna worked with Médecins Sans Frontières in South Africa, South Sudan and Pakistan, focusing on gender-based violence prevention, advocacy and humanitarian access. She also consulted on post-conflict reconstruction, education and livelihoods projects in Liberia, Burundi, Uganda and Kenya. Anna holds an MA in International Humanitarian Action (cum laude) from the University of Groningen and a BSc in International Development Studies from Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

Dr. Nyasha Manjengenja (PhD) is a senior project manager with experience in stewarding high-impact social development programmes across multiple countries. She holds a BSocial work degree (Summa cum laude), MA in Child & Family Studies (majoring in migration & identity studies) and a PhD in Social Work (majoring in transitional justice & nation building). She is also a professional Integral Life Coach and process facilitator.

 As Head of Programmes, she oversees a multi-country portfolio, supports strategy and scale-up for PLH interventions, facilitates partner contract negotiations and manages budgets while driving organisational quality improvement and stakeholder engagements. Previously, Nyasha held technical and managerial roles across the NPO and higher education sectors. Her consultancy track record spans USAID, UNICEF, PEPFAR, the European Union and partnerships with government and NGO’s across Africa where she has served as technical lead. Nyasha sincerely believes that life is simple and if we are simple for ourselves, we enable others to also simply be – the ultimate goal being peace and serenity for all.

Ayanda was born in Durban raised in Matatiele and now lives in Pietermaritzburg. She joined CWBSA in 2016 as a financial Administrator. She held a certificate in Bookkeeping, Pastel and Financial Accounting and currently working on her diploma in Accounting. Ayanda has been involved in different community work though the church. She believes in paying it forward by impacting one individual at a time. Her passion is music, organizing events and running catering business. She is a great organizer and love to keep the team financial accountable.

Gillian joined CWBSA in 2019. Her professional journey began early in 2009 where she spent nine years working with a global non-profit organisation. She developed a passion for advocacy, community development and changemaking, which are topics that align with the work that CWBSA does. She has held a multifunctional role at CWBSA which included Administration, Content Support, M&E Support, Communication and also led as the Regional Coordinator for the Parenting for Children in Crisis project. She is currently the Technical Programmes Officer, providing overall support for all of the CWBSA Programmes.

Sibongile, aka Gogo, is a juggler, singer, storyteller, clown, and facilitator. Originally from a small town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, she lives in Pietermaritzburg. In 1999, Sibongile was a founding member of the African Dream Circus. She began working with Clowns Without Borders as a senior facilitating artist in 2007. Working throughout Southern Africa as well as Ethiopia and Canada, Sibongile has told stories, performed clown shows, and facilitated workshops that use storytelling and play to strengthen relationships between guardians and children affected by HIV/AIDS, poverty, and violence. With a big heart and beautiful smile, Sibongile hopes to continue awakening joy and creativity in the lives of people throughout the world.

Phatheka grew up in Mount Fletcher, Eastern Cape. She has a Diploma in Human Resources and is currently studying Counselling and Communication Skills. She has been with CWBSA since 2015 and has worked all over Africa, Caribbean and Asia in terms of capacity building, providing technical support and programme coordination. She believes in being centred and balanced, focusing on a small circle of family and friends, but also enjoys learning from and experiencing different cultural and behavioural practices, traditions and expectations, as well as contributing to the overall growth and development of society.

Andiswa joined CWBSA in 2013, and works as a trainer, facilitator and storyteller. She was born in Willowvale in the Eastern Cape and grew up in Cape Town. She is currently studying to complete a higher certificate in counselling and communication skills to combine with her education in early childhood development.  Andiswa loves being around her larger family and makes sure she arranges events regularly, so that they can all connect. She feels at peace. She also love travelling and experiencing new cultures through CWBSA. She finds her professional work benefits the community and that she also applies to her own family and children.

Fundiswa has worked with CWBSA since 2013. She has also previously worked as a data capturer and community worker. She originally comes from a family of 7 from Port Elizabeth, but now lives on the Cape Flats with her husband, children, niece and nephew. She is an independent lady who likes to challenge herself with new experiences, she also likes cooking and trying out new recipes.Working at CWBSA is close to my calling of helping the community and knowing that I can make a difference to many families.

Mpume started her NGO career in 1999 working with children living on the streets of Durban. Her work centred on building trust with these young people at risk, encourage them to make positive choices and if possible, reunite them with their families. This experience exposed her to extreme conditions of poverty and inequality, leading to her pursuing postgraduate studies focusing on the Economics of Development. She later joined CWBSA in what began as a very short stint to assist with reporting in 2014 and has become a longer relationship and home.

Sipho Mdletshe, aka Zumba, was born and raised in Pietermartizburg. After matriculation, he couldn’t continue education due to financial constraints. A passionate football player, he devoted his life to the sport hoping to make a breakthrough professionally. In 2007, Sipho broke his leg ending his soccer career. He joined the YMCA-Edendale as a volunteer facilitating workshops with children and youth who face challenges in life. Joining Clowns Without Borders in 2008, Sipho has performed throughout South Africa and Swaziland for thousands of children .He works as full time trainer and facilitator, passionate about working with fathers and families.

Zama joined Clowns without Borders in 2021 as a Bookkeeper. She has a National Diploma in Cost Management Accounting, and Certificates in Bookkeeping, and Production and Supervision. She is currently working towards her Diploma in Business Management. She previously worked in the private sector. She was born in Newcastle and now lives in Pietermaritzburg with her husband and children. Zama and her husband lead a Church in which they provide spiritual and physical support. She enjoys reading and gardening.