Our HQ Team
The Otto Foundation is led and managed by a team of women who are all passionate about South Africa, education, literacy, and the transformative power of books and stories.
Co-Founder & Chairperson
Zephne Ladbrook
Zephne co-founded the Otto Foundation and has spearheaded our strategy development and project implementation since 2017. She chairs the board of trustees, and maintains active involvement in, and oversight over, the activities of the Foundation.
Chief Executive
Dr. Frouwien Bosman
Frouwien has a background in public policy and development studies. She oversees the Foundation's operations and projects. Her work for the Foundation is motivated by her belief that reading is a key tool for individual advancement and societal change.
Director: Partnerships
Nonikiwe Mashologu
Nonikiwe is the Foundation's director for partnerships and stakeholder management. She has worked in the literacy field for more than a decade, fulfilling roles as a board member, programme director, project manager, editor, facilitator, translator and reviewer.
Director: Literacy, Learning & Curriculum
Pam Hoffman
Pam has a background in education and clinical social work with experience working in school and university contexts. She is an avid reader, she is passionate about books and storytelling, and she believes that all children deserve access to book rich environments that support their learning and development.
Senior Manager: Design
Xanelé Puren
Xanelé is an illustrator and spatial designer with extensive experience working with stakeholders to create child-centred environments, infrastructure, relational and educational programs. Her work is inspired by her love for children and her passion for their well-being.
Manager: Library Projects
Rithia Abrahams
Rithia has experience coordinating children's programmes in the public library sector. She oversees our literacy projects and supports our team of school librarians. She is passionate about ensuring that our library spaces and programmes centre the experiences of children and that our team of librarians continues to learn from each other.