YVETTE HARDIE

Festival Producer

YVETTE HARDIE is a theatre producer, director, educator, and writer active in the world of theatre and performance, with a particular focus on theatre for young audiences. She initiated the launch of ASSITEJ SA (the national centre of the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People) in 2007, and leads the organisation in the capacity of National Director. She served as elected President of the international ASSITEJ from 2011-2021. She is now an Honorary President of the association. She serves on several boards, and is the Chairperson for the STAND Foundation.

In these capacities, she creates opportunities for artistic exchange, mentorship, skills development and cross-cultural collaboration across the world, while working to invigorate the South African theatrical landscape with work of the highest quality and widest accessibility. She writes and speaks extensively on issues relating to arts for young audiences, arts education and arts for reconciliation and conflict resolution at events around the world. In 2019, she was awarded the Mickey Miner Award for Lifetime Achievement from IPAY (International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY), based in Philadelphia, USA for her contribution to theatre for young audiences locally and globally.

Hailey Chisholm

Technical & Operations Manager

Hailey Chisholm is a theatre and arts management professional with over 20 years of experience in production, technical management, design, festival operations and international touring. She holds a BA Dramatic Arts degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, specialising in Performance Arts Management and Design.

Her career began with Richard Loring’s Izinyawo Productions, where she worked as Production and Stage Manager for the internationally acclaimed African Footprint, managing logistics, artists and international touring. She went on to work as Production Manager for Cape Town Opera, overseeing large-scale productions in South Africa and internationally, before joining the Market Theatre as Production Manager and Head of the Technical Department.

Hailey also works as a freelance production manager and designer, designing and managing productions across South Africa. She is a facilitator of stage management at the Market Theatre Laboratory and the John Kani Academy, supporting the development of emerging theatre practitioners.

In 2019, she joined Sound Stylists as Project Manager, managing large-scale corporate events, budgets, and production logistics. She is also a Director of RnH Displays, working across production, design, and event-related projects.

Since 2022, Hailey has served as Operations Manager at ASSITEJ South Africa, overseeing organisational operations, production logistics, budgets, HR, compliance and stakeholder engagement across national and international programmes.

As Technical & Operations Manager for the Cradle of Creativity, Hailey brings extensive experience across theatre, design, technical production, and festival management, working to create the operational framework that enables artists and companies from South Africa and around the world to deliver their work successfully.

Nkosivumile Lusu

Finance Manager

Nkosivumile has a Degree (Baccalaureus Technologiae: Taxation) from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, as well as a Diploma in Internal Auditing and a Higher certificate in Accountancy. He is registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants. Previous positions have been as Financial Accountant at GLS Consulting (Pty) Ltd, and at EOH Mothombo (pty) Ltd, and before that he worked as a Junior Accountant and Supervisor at the National Association of Child Care Workers. He is a hardworking, dedicated professional, with a heart for making a difference through the work that he does. He is a systematic and precise thinker who maintains high standards, while meeting his work goals conscientiously.

Tsholo Shounyane

Young Critics Programme Manager

Tsholo Shounyane is a drama facilitator, dollmaker and freelance translator/editor. She obtained her BA Drama from the University of Pretoria (2010) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the Central University of Technology (2015).  She has worked with various companies and organisations including the University of Pretoria as a director-facilitator and junior lecturer, Arepp: Theatre for Life as an actress and director, Artscape Theatre and the Hillbrow Theatre Project as a director-facilitator. She has also worked in radio as a presenter and in reality television as an on-screen interviewer, translator and producer.  Since graduating, most of her work has been in theatre for development, theatre in education and applied theatre and teaching.  She believes in the big influence that art can have in all aspects of education and community building. She works as the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Coordinator for Assitej Johannesburg.

Siyanda Buthelezi

Schools Liaison & Logistics Coordinator

Siyanda Buthelezi established herself as an Arts Administrator who is also passionate about addressing and educating about the social and economic ills of young Arts Practitioners growing in the creative space.

She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Live Performance at AFDA where she majored in Stage and Screen Performance, although she hasn't touched a script or ran lines since her days of study, she is certain that Arts Administration found her in the growing community arts and theatre space.

She joined ASSITEJ, SA in 2022 where she works as the Administrative Assistant, through this she assists in the administrative duties that enables children in communities and schools access the arts. She also facilitates young Theatre Practitioners on Arts Administration / Management.

She is dedicated to promoting and administering the arts and furthering the reach of artists.

Thembile Tshuma

Schools and Workshops Coordinator

Thembile Tshuma is an Applied Drama & Theatre graduate from Drama for Life (University of the Witwatersrand), theatre practitioner, director, writer, musician, percussionist, puppeteer and arts educator with extensive experience in working with Children and Young People. His practice focuses on using theatre and creative arts as tools for learning, participation, expression and social development. He has worked across Africa, facilitating creative programmes and developing opportunities for young people to engage meaningfully with the arts. Thembile is currently ASSITEJ SA's Gauteng Theatre4Youth and Education Coordinator.

Kwanele Finch Thusi

Social Media Manager

Kwanele Finch Thusi is the Marketing and Communications Lead for the Cradle of Creativity Festival, overseeing the festival’s marketing, media, and audience engagement. He also serves as the Master of Ceremonies and Director of the Opening Ceremony, helping shape the festival’s public experience and celebrating theatre and performance for children and young people through creative leadership and collaboration.

Busisiwe Nonhlanhla Mnguni

Administrative Assistant

An accomplished Administrative Assistant Intern at ASSITEJ South Africa, bringing a strong academic foundation and a diverse background in administration, information management, research, and governance.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Management from the University of Johannesburg, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Public Management and Governance. Her academic background has equipped her with knowledge and skills in information and records management, business intelligence, research, administration, data analysis, governance, and organisational processes.

With experience in administrative support, document and records management, meeting coordination, minute-taking, stakeholder communication, data support, and research assistance, Busisiwe brings professionalism, strong organisational abilities, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence to her role. Her additional training in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Generative AI further reflects her passion for continuous learning and innovation.

At ASSITEJ South Africa, Busisiwe Nonhlanhla Mnguni is proud to contribute her skills and growing professional expertise to an organisation dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities and advancing the arts for children and young people. She is committed to learning, making a positive contribution, and supporting the efficient work and continued growth of the organisation.

Kesia Banda

Marketing and Communications Intern

As a marketing and communications intern at ASSITEJ South Africa, Kesia brings a background in public relations and a growing passion for marketing, communication, creativity and the arts. With an interest in the intersection of storytelling, arts and communication, Kesia supports the organisation’s marketing and communications efforts while gaining valuable experience within the creative and cultural sector. They are passionate about learning, developing new skills and contributing to projects that connect people through the arts.