Let's introduce you to
our team
Our Board of Advisors
Dr. Jonathan Pons
Thobani Zikalala
Thobani, who is from a rural area in the Lubombo Region, was born with spina bifida. He knows first-hand the hardships of isolation, exclusion, and discrimination faced by children with disabilities. However, he is a living example of the fact that everyone can reach their potential when they have the support and love of those around them. Now, Thobani is a businessman, an agriculturalist, and a Swazi champion for persons with disabilities. He does half-marathons, plays wheelchair basketball, and started up a layer chicken project for persons with disabilities in his home area. Thobani has a passion for people with disabilities and feels it's his turn to give back to the community.
Nomsa Gamedze
Nomsa is a force of action, change, and upliftment in her community. She is the local manager of Operation Hope - an extension of her heart and passion for people. She describes herself as "Prayerful and an intercessor, because prayer is my oxygen and steering wheel." In her spare time she visits the sick and needy and starts community initiatives for those who are without food.
Lynda Arroyo
Lynda was born in Eswatini and felt the Lord's call to return here after years in the USA. She has built up HopeAlive268, an incredible NGO working with orphaned and vulnerable children. Lynda and her husband, Ric, are servant-hearted and amazing teachers of life. The Libumba team is privileged to be able to learn from her vast knowledge and experience in working with children within the setting of Eswatini.
Dr. Al and Kathleen Hartmann
Kathleen and dr Al Hartmann have dedicated their hearts to the sick in the Lubombo Region of Eswatini. Kathleen, who is a nurse by profession, helped to start Home-Based Care at the Good Shepherd Hospital 20 years ago. Whether at home in New York City or out in the Swazi bush, Kathleen and dr Al advocate for the needs of the sick and, in generosity of all kinds, serve the people they have grown to love as their own.
Dumsile Shiba
Gogo (granny) Dumsile certainly does not act her age! The picture of energy and enthusiasm, Dumsile was Libumba's first community guide and translator. She is an expert in Swazi culture, a counselor, social worker, a church planter, preacher, and lecturer at the Nazarene School of Theology. We know we can always count on her for some good advice and an extra dollop of prayer!