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: 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.
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.
Director: Advocacy & Special Projects
Julia Norrish
Julia is happiest when surrounded by words, pictures and children. She believes everyone should know the joy of books and stories. Julia has led national-level work to develop books and materials to instill a love for reading in young children. She's overseen the publication of 250 South African picturebooks, distributed millions of copies, and been recognised with local and global honours for publishing innovation to increase all children's access to books.
Manager: Literacy Projects
Tania Kliphuis
Tania has a background in educational publishing and has worked in textbook and reading materials development. She has written children’s books and co-authored several school textbooks. A lifelong reader, she is passionate about early literacy and about helping children develop a love of reading through access to engaging, book-rich environments.
Manager: Partnerships & Special Projects
Kristina Miller
Kristina has a background in sustainable development and governance. She supports the Foundation’s strategic collaborations, special projects and long-term sustainability initiatives. Her work is driven by a belief in the power of education and meaningful partnerships to create lasting social impact and opportunity.
Manager: Facilities
Deon May
Deon has a background in education and project management with his experience focussing on schools. He is motivated by the belief that education is one of the main drivers of positive societal change and that all children deserve access to well-resourced and beautiful safe library spaces in order for them to explore their curiosity and the world. His role at The Otto Foundation is to ensure that all our library spaces are meticulously maintained and managed.