25 Years of Smarter, Stronger, And Kinder
Rooted in research. Grown by community. Focused on children.
Since 2000, Sesame Workshop South Africa has worked at the intersection of education, media, and research to meet the real-world needs of South African children. From the very first Takalani Sesame episode to today’s nationally scaled programming, our mission has always remained the same: to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.
Helping Children Grow Smarter, Stronger, Kinder
Our mission guides every story we tell, every programme we deliver, and every partnership we build. By blending joyful storytelling with science-based educational models, we create real-world impact that supports:
Early literacy, numeracy, and school readiness
Emotional well-being and resilience
Identity, belonging, and inclusion
Health, safety, and protection
Gender equity and disability inclusion
Our Journey So Far
Since bringing Takalani Sesame to South African children in 2000, our work has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of children, families, and communities.
2000 | Takalani Sesame Launches In South Africa
Takalani Sesame launches the first local co-production in Africa.
First HIV-Positive Muppet Debuts On Takalani Sesame | 2002
Kami, the first HIV-positive Muppet globally, sparks critical conversations on HIV/AIDS.
2005 - 2015 | Expands Programme Focus
Expanded programmes focus on early learning, inclusion, and socio-emotional growth.
Work Starts To Expand On Educational Topics | 2018 - 2024
New work begins on gender equity, fatherhood, digital safety, climate literacy, and trauma-informed care.
2025 & Beyond | Celebrating 25 Years Of Impact In South Africa
Innovation continues through digital learning platforms, youth skills development, and new content areas addressing South Africa's evolving needs.
OUR TEAM
The People Behind The Mission
Whether working behind the scenes or on the ground in communities, every team member shares one mission: to put children first and ensure impactful learning reaches every corner of the country.
Dr. Onyi Nwaneri
Managing Director
Mari Payne
Deputy Managing Director | Senior Director: Education & Outreach
Rasigan Kander
Senior Director: Finance & Operations
Fathima Rawat
Senior Manager: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning
Join Us In Building the Next Chapter
With your partnership, we can continue to adapt, innovate, and expand, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Helping Children Everywhere Grow Smarter, Stronger, And Kinder.