Board of Directors
Bantwana Initiative Eswatini (BIE) is proudly governed by a committed Board of Directors whose extensive multi-sectoral expertise and experience form the backbone of our leadership. This distinguished team carries the vital responsibility of overseeing governance, providing strategic direction, and upholding the highest standards of accountability. Their stewardship guarantees that every program and initiative we undertake is fully aligned with—and actively advances—our mission to improve the well-being, growth, and resilience of vulnerable children, youth, and families. Through their guidance, we are empowered to create meaningful, lasting change in the communities we serve.
Country Director
Thulani Earnshaw
Thulani Earnshaw brings over 20 years of distinguished leadership in livelihoods, youth development, and economic empowerment across Eswatini. Since 2007, he has excelled as the Executive Director of Bantwana Initiative Eswatini, passionately driving programs that serve vulnerable children and households. Under his visionary leadership, Bantwana manages significant funding from USAID/PEPFAR, Global Fund, UN Trust Fund, OSISA, and UNICEF, delivering impactful, sustainable services to those most in need. Thulani's strong commitment to social justice is reflected in his collaborative approach, forging effective partnerships with government, civil society, and the private sector to advance support for orphans, vulnerable children, families, and to champion gender equity and human rights. Holding a Master’s degree in Sustainable International Development from Brandeis University, he combines deep technical expertise with exceptional communication and cultural competency. Renowned for his inclusive leadership and a winning mentality, Thulani consistently strengthens organizational governance and fosters lasting partnerships, driving significant positive change in vulnerable communities throughout Eswatini.
Programs Staff
Our dedicated and highly skilled programs team spearheads a diverse and robust portfolio of strategic initiatives, meticulously aligned with our core thematic priorities. We are deeply committed to fostering a results-driven culture that emphasizes measurable impact, underpinned by a team comprised of professionally qualified individuals equipped with extensive training and real-world experience. This foundation ensures our operational excellence and unwavering ability to deliver sustainable, transformative outcomes in the communities we serve. Throughout implementation, we engage proactively with community cadres and leadership structures, ensuring grassroots involvement and local ownership. Our approach is characterized by building and sustaining strategic partnerships across sectors, leveraging collaborative synergies with a broad network of organizations to maximize efficiency, innovation, and reach. This multi-stakeholder coordination enhances the quality and accessibility of services, ultimately contributing to improved well-being and lasting empowerment within our target populations. Our track record of success, driven by a hunger for excellence and continuous improvement, reflects our organizational capacity to navigate complex challenges and exceed expectations—making us a reliable and impactful partner for donors committed to meaningful change.
Community Cadres
The organization implements through community cadres who are the cornerstone of our grassroots initiatives, playing a critical role in directly engaging beneficiaries and ensuring timely achievement of project objectives. Recruited from within the local areas they serve, through them we do not only reinforce community ownership of development efforts but also create meaningful employment opportunities for rural youth and young women. Their dedication and deep community ties have made them indispensable members of our organization, driving both impact and sustainability in our programs.
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