About Hamba Bamba Funda
Hamba Bamba Funda was born out of a deep commitment to the well-being of children in South Africa’s most vulnerable communities. Founded by Monja Boonzaier, HBF believes that change starts in the first 1000 days of life. Through community-based, neurodevelopmental approaches, we empower caregivers to guide their babies through essential physical and emotional milestones.
Hamba Bamba Funda (HBF) nurtures holistic development in children aged 0โ2 years, fostering socio-emotional growth and empowering caregivers through Movement, Touch, and Play to build stronger futures for underserved communities.
Through community-based, neurodevelopmental approaches, we empower caregivers to guide their babies through essential physical and emotional milestones.
Our mission
Hamba Bamba Funda (HBF) nurtures holistic development in children aged 0โ2 years, fostering socio-emotional growth and empowering caregivers through Movement, Touch, and Play to build stronger futures for underserved communities.
Our Vision
Empowering caregivers to nurture every child’s socio-emotional growth and potential during the critical 0โ2 years, fostering thriving futures through Movement, Touch, and Play.
Our values
We are guided by the principles of Equity, Compassion, Community-led Development, Early Learning as a Human Right, and Sustainable Collaboration through Innovation and Research.
Our board
Pamela Makwela
Pamela Makwela is a seasoned development specialist, entrepreneur and strategist with over 15 years of hands-on experience in grassroots development. As the CEO and Founder ofย Forefront Leadership, she has dedicated her career to empowering organisations across government, advertising and non-profit sectors to build sustainable operations, strengthen stakeholder relationships and drive inclusive growth.
Pamela is passionate about creating systemic change by strengthening the very foundations of organisations that serve communities. She believes that sustainable development is rooted in collaborative networks and data-driven decision-making
Hassiena Marriott
Hassiena Marriott is the Executive Director of the Global Teachers Institute and a strategic partner in the international Values20 Summit. A seasoned educator and activist, she holds a degree in science and a Masterโs in Education, with over 20 years of experience teaching Mathematics and Science. Through her work, she challenges inequality, advances inclusive learning environments, and supports grassroots leadership in education. She is especially passionate about uplifting underserved communities and building bridges across sectors to drive social change. Her personal mission is clear:ย โTo use the fire within me to light the fire within othersโso that together, we can brighten up the world.โ
Hema Kesa
Hema Kesa is an Associate Professor and Director of the Food Evolution Research Centre (FERC) within the School of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of She serves as a Council Member of the Nutrition Society of South Africa (NSSA), where she contributes to national nutrition discourse, policy development, and professional advancement in the field.ย In addition to her academic and research roles, she has served as a Director of the Hamba Bamba Foundation Organisation since 2024, contributing to community-driven initiatives that promote health, nutrition, and social development. Through her work, Prof Kesa is committed to advancing equitable food systems, strengthening food security, and fostering a healthier society by bridging science, technology, and indigenous knowledge.