Our Incredible Team
Zisize began operations with only two volunteers in 1999. Volunteering and giving of self is very much the ethos of the organisation. Many of the current staff began as volunteers. Zisize currently has a staff of over 70 permanent employees and comprises the director, finance manager, education trainer, psychologist, ECD manager/trainer, 2 social workers, a nurse, a career guidance counsellor, a librarian, radio project staff, computer trainer, admin staff, foster carers, creche staff, cooks, cleaners, garden trainers, community care workers, family motivators, lifeskills workers and security guards.
Nothing could have been achieved without the hard work of staff and volunteers and the generous help of funders, individuals, families and groups from all over the world who have supported Zisize. Everyone who has given anything, financial, material, time and energy, has made a vital contribution to Zisize’s work and made it the vibrant organisation it is today.
Senior Management
Director and Education programme manager
Mrs Hlengiwe Mthimkhulu
Finance and Administration manager
Mrs Nombuso Buthelezi
Lifeskills and Career guidance manager
Mr Andrew Sitima
Psychosocial Department manager
Mrs Lynette Matema
Founding Members
Hlengiwe Mthimkhulu
Hlengiwe took up the postition of director in 2007, having been Principal of Mpontshini Primary School previously. Hlengiwe has the respect of the whole community and has superb motivational qualities.
Niki Lee
In 1998 Niki Lee had gone to Ingwavuma as a volunteer at the English medium school but worked one day a week at Zulu medium schools and saw an extreme level of deprivation first hand. She was motivated to do something to assist them and helped to create Zisize in 1999.
Bridget
Bridget was one of the initial three trustees and also our first professional employee. This exceptional young woman came to Ingwavuma after graduating and worked at the local high school, then jointly set up an English medium primary school. She has a passion for education, speaks isiZulu fluently and has developed many valuable teaching methods and resources for local learners.
Zanele Dlamini
Zanele Dlamini together with Hlengiwe Mthimkhulu and Niki Lee was instrumental in creating the Zisize Educational Trust in 1999. She has sadly passed away, but her legacy lives on in Zisize.