Mbonisi Tshuma brings extensive hands-on and strategic experience in managing and delivering programs to enhance the well-being of youth, vulnerable children, and marginalized families in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. You could say that Mbonisi and Bantwana activities in Zimbabwe have grown together, since he joined as a young program manager more than 15 years ago!

In that time, he has been a country director and team lead, setting up and leading a successful GBV-prevention project in Malawi. Mbonisi spent several years as a regional technical advisor for Bantwana programs throughout southern Africa, supporting colleagues and country teams to develop new business, spearheading technical assistance to nine DREAMS and OVC projects in six countries adapting, designing, testing, and disseminating the Siyakha model for youth economic strengthening.

Since 2020, he has championed the rapid growth and sustainability of Bantwana Zimbabwe as the Executive Director. In this role, Mbonisi has overseen teams of 50-plus staff and managed multi-million dollar program portfolios under USAID, PEPFAR, CDC, UN, and World Bank funding. He currently heads up Bantwana Zimbabwe’s Zingane OVC Project as Chief of Party and is highly respected for his collaborative and efficient approaches to leading local and multi-country partnerships and consortia.

Mbonisi displays immense energy and high standards of performance—not only in his development work, but also in other areas of life. He is an avid long-distance runner, and has completed several marathons. When you work with Mbonisi, be sure to lace up your shoes so you can be quick and nimble!