Our Staff

Meet the Staff of Ubuntu Africa 

Ubuntu Africa has skilled and experienced staff members dedicated to serving HIV-positive children and their community. Meet some of the core staff members below!

Whitney Johnson

Founder and Executive Director of Ubuntu Africa

Whitney Johnson is an ardent activist and youth leader. Inspired by her experiences while studying abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, and volunteering in an orphanage in the nearby township of Khayeltisha, Whitney was drawn to the cause of supporting HIV-positive children. She noticed a gap in services and sustained assisatcne for children living with HIV. She wanted to ensure that HIV-postive children received the support they needed to live long and healthy lives. She graduated from Colorado College in 2006 with a degree in psychology. At the age of 21, Whitney established Ubuntu Africa, a non-profit organization with the mission of providing health and support services to HIV-positive children in South Africa.

Fundiswa Phillips

Executive Director of Ubuntu Africa Child Healthcare

Fundiswa Phillips was born and raised in the Northern Cape Province in South Africa. She has a B.A. in Social Work from the University of the Western Cape, and a BPhil (Hons.) in Information Management from the University of Stellenbosch. Fundiswa has had extensive experience as a social worker at the League of friends of the Blind, the Department of Social Services, and the Department of Correctional Services. She further extended her knowledge at the Chrysalis Academy, where she worked as a social worker, life coach, and programs manager for 4 years. Fundiswa then worked as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children’s Hospital Association before joining the Ubuntu Africa Child Healthcare team in May 2011.

Mallory Sheff

Director of Communications & Volunteer Coordinator

Mallory Sheff received her BA in International Affairs and International Development studies from The Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University in 2010. Mallory volunteered in an abandoned children’s home in Kenya during the summer of 2007, where she discovered her passion for and the importance of child health and education. Mallory’s work with other nonprofits include Student World Assembly, an international youth-run health and human rights organization, and the National Endowment for Democracy.  

Jessica Annis

Princeton in Africa Fellow

Jessica Annis joined Ubuntu Africa in July 2011 as a Princeton in Africa Fellow. Prior to joining UBA, Jessica worked in HIV prevention research on various clinical trials including the iPrEx and Partners PrEP studies. Jessica is a graduate of Emory University where she received a BA in International Studies and Global Health. While at Emory, Jessica developed a passion for the health issues most affecting the world’s vulnerable populations. Jessica’s work with other non-profis includes volunteering for the Carter Center’s Development office as well as at the Georgia State Capitol with Planned Parenthood.

Nontuthulzelo Patience Ntwana (Ntuthu)

Nurse

Nontuthulzelo received her Diploma in Nursing in 1999 from Carinus Nursing College and her B Tech in nursing from the Peninsula University of Technology in 2009. Prior to taking a fulltime position with Ubuntu Africa Child Healthcare, Ntuthu had ten years of dedicated service in HIV care facilities. Ntuthu is also certified in the management of HIV-related conditions, integrated HIV/AIDS treatment programs, and anti-retroviral treatment. Prior to working at Ubuntu Africa Child Healthcare, Ntuthu was the Professional Head Nurse for Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and the Post Rape Care Clinic, both located in Khayelitsha.

Ntuthu is passionate about improving the health of children in Khayelitsha. Through her work in local clinics, Ntuthu witnessed the devastating impact that HIV/AIDS was having on children and felt strongly that more comprehensive and personalized care was needed for infected children to successfully overcome illness. This inspired her to join Ubuntu Africa Child Healthcare where she feels that she is able to truly make a difference!   

Read our interview with Ntuthu

Nokwayiyo Sani (Skwayi)

Social Worker

Nokwayiyo has a B.A. in Social Work from the University of Western Cape and is also certified in the developmental assessment of children, youth, and families; family preservation; and assessment and therapy for child sexual abuse.

Nokwayiyo or Skwayi, as she is fondly known by the children, is dedicated to improving the wellbeing of the children she serves. In addition to protecting children from abuse and neglect, Nokwayiyo also helps families obtain government grants, enrolls children in schools, and provides child and family counseling to Ubuntu Africa Child Healthcare’s participants. 

Read our interview with Skwayi 

Bathandwa Sylvester Matyile

Youth Counselor and Educator

Sylvester has been counseling youth for many years in his capacity as a youth pastor, and holds certificates from the College of Cape Town FET Business Studies Department and from the Peace, Human Rights and Anti-Racism Education training course. He is a certified soccer coach and an active leader in his church.

Sylvester has a gift for engaging and inspiring young people, especially teenagers. He listens to and advises youth with empathy, and always manages to bring out the best in the young people he serves. Sylvester leads support group meetings and provides support and encouragement to the children he counsels. He also makes HIV education fun and engaging for the children as he fosters an in-depth understanding of HIV while empowering the children with the knowledge and confidence they need to take care of themselves. 

 Read our interview with Silvester 

Nkoliso Vusani

Youth Leader and Maintenance

Nkoliso oversees facility maintenance and kitchen support. Nkoliso is energetic and charismatic and provides endless entertainment for the youngest age group (4-7 year olds), which he leads in fun and educational activities during the afterschool program.

Siphokazi Oliphant

Chef

Siphokazi prepares healthy and delicious daily meals for participants at Ubuntu Africa Child Healthcare’s center. She pulls off the superhuman feat of making vegetables and whole grains appealing for children! Children at the center are drawn to her sweet nature and nurturing personality.