Our Team
Executive Team
Hassiena Marriott
Executive Director
Hassiena holds a science degree and a master’s in education. She is a seasoned educator with over two decades of experience in teaching Maths and Science. Driven by a fervent desire to catalyze change, she champions the creation of compassionate, reflective, and masterful educators. Her purpose: “To use the fire within me to light the fire within others so that together we can brighten up the world.”
Luthando Thwala
Education Leader
Luthando is a dedicated educator, linguist, and PhD candidate at the University of the Witwatersrand, specializing in remedial education and Southern African languages. With over a decade of experience, she has championed inclusive learning at Nokuthula Special Needs School, mentoring peers and shaping curriculum. She also leads inclusive teacher training and advocates for Down Syndrome awareness. A Golden Key Award recipient, Luthando is passionate about advancing literacy, language development, and holistic child education in South Africa.
Jane Dlamini
Operations Manager
Jane holds a degree in accounting and a master’s degree in financial management. She possesses strong systems accounting knowledge and has proven experience in systems implementation, development, and maintenance. Jane is committed to continued growth and excellence with her drive, energy, vision, leadership and implementation skills to make a positive difference.
education team
Solange
Kabeya
RSC: Gauteng
Thabelo
Nemathangale
RSC: Limpopo
Tshego
Pule
RSC: Northern Cape
Mary-Jane
Mkhatshwa
RSC: Nkomazi
Andisiwe
Sikhenjana
RSC: Western Cape
Cedusizi
Mthethwa
RSC: Bohlabela
Admin & Support
Nontobeko
Duma
Executive support & advancement assistance
Mpumelelo
Khumalo
Software Developer & ICT Co-ordinator
Valentine
Mncube
Future Leader Programme Administrator
our board of governers
Nisha Chetty
Non-Executive Chairperson
Nisha is currently consulting to Discovery as a Senior Remuneration Specialist. She has more than 30 years’ experience in Finance and Remuneration, serving 17 years at Liberty and 15 at Discovery as the Head of Remuneration. Nisha is also passionate about educating people on Financial Wellness to help people save.
Nisha holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UNISA and is a Global Remuneration Professional through the World of Work and is a member of SARA (South African Remuneration Association). Nisha is well known and respected in her Industry.
Nisha brings a wealth of governance and people-focused leadership to GTIs Board, helping shape sustainable focus within the education ecosystem. Nisha is passionate about making a difference in whichever way she can
Ryan Strauss
Non-Executive Vice Chairperson
Ryan Strauss is an experienced risk management professional and the Chief Risk Officer at Marquis Finance. He has a proven track record in financial services, credit risk strategy, and analytics.
Previously, Ryan was Head of Analytical Consulting at Experian, where he led the design of data-driven solutions for financial institutions. He also served as Head of Credit Risk Strategy at SA Taxi and held key roles at Absa and Nedbank. Ryan began his career as a control systems engineer at Sasol, which shaped his analytical approach.
He holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand. Ryan combines technical acumen with strategic leadership to support GTI’s governance and risk frameworks.
Ryan is passionate about education and the impact it can have on each individual and the country as a whole. In the words of Madiba, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Flora Mugambi
Non-Executive Director
Flora Mugambi is an accomplished educator and the Director of Community Building and Inclusion at the Town School for Boys in San Francisco. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, she brings a global perspective to education, leadership, and diversity work.
She holds a B.A. and Master of Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, along with advanced leadership training from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and Business School.
Flora serves on the Governance Committee of Horizons–San Francisco Friends School and contributes to teacher development and accreditation efforts through the California Teacher Development Collaborative. She also serves as a Senior Consultant with Teach With Africa, building connections between educators in South Africa and the U.S.
Flora’s work is deeply rooted in fostering inclusive learning environments and global citizenship. She lives in San Francisco with her husband and daughter and enjoys family, travel, and a good cup of masala chai.
Professor Sarita Ramsaroop
Non-Executive Director
Professor Sarita Ramsaroop is Vice-Dean: Research and Innovation at the Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg. As an expert in teacher education, she focuses on mentoring, school-university partnerships, and enhancing student engagement in both coursework and fieldwork.
Her research addresses curriculum transformation, indigenous knowledge integration, project-based learning, and the use of mixed-reality tools in teacher development. She collaborates internationally, notably with the University of Helsinki, and has published extensively in respected journals.
Sarita is also a dedicated supervisor to postgraduate students, contributing to the academic and professional development of future education leaders. Her thought leadership strengthens GTI’s evidence-based approach to transforming teacher education.
Richard MAsemola
Non-Executive Director
Richard Masemola is the Executive Director of TEACH South Africa, where he leads efforts to recruit and train graduates from diverse backgrounds to enter the teaching profession.
Previously, Richard served as the principal of two Gauteng schools, gaining valuable experience in educational leadership and school management. He is also the Chairperson of the School Governing Body at Lethulwazi Secondary School, contributing to school governance and accountability.
Richard is a passionate advocate for the power of quality education and is committed to addressing South Africa’s teacher shortages. His leadership helps drive GTI’s mission to strengthen the pipeline of skilled, reflective educators.
hassiena MArriott
Executive Director
Hassiena Marriott is the Executive Director of the Global Teachers Institute. A seasoned educator and activist, she brings over two decades of experience in teaching Maths and Science, underpinned by a
science degree and a Master’s in Education. Hassiena is driven by a relentless commitment to transforming education systems by developing compassionate, reflective, and skilled educators who lead with purpose. As both a leader and changemaker, she works to disrupt inequality and ignite possibility in underserved communities. Her guiding purpose: “To use the fire within me to light the fire within others—so that together, we can brighten up the world.”