Ilifa Labantwana is adopting a co-CEO leadership model, with Zaheera Mohamed and Senzo Hlophe now serving as Co-Chief Executive Officers following a recent meeting of the Board.
The move reflects the way Ilifa itself has evolved. Over the past several years, the organisation has grown in scale, scope and complexity, with its work increasingly spanning public financing, data and systems, policy reform, and partnerships across the Early Childhood Development (ECD) ecosystem.
As this work has become broader and more interconnected, so too have the leadership demands on the organisation. The co-CEO model allows Ilifa to distribute leadership more deliberately, drawing on the complementary strengths of two experienced leaders while maintaining joint accountability for Ilifa’s strategy, performance and mission.
“The Board’s confidence in this model is closely connected to the two people who will lead it: Zaheera Mohamed and Senzo Hlophe.”
— Bernadette Moffat, Ilifa Labantwana Board Chair
Zaheera will focus on Ilifa’s programmatic strategy and its contribution to strengthening ECD systems, drawing on her deep experience in ECD, public financing and systems change.
Senzo will take primary responsibility for organisational leadership, partnerships and resource mobilisation, with a focus on ensuring that Ilifa has the people, systems and organisational foundations needed to do its work well.
These are areas of emphasis rather than separate spheres. Both Zaheera and Senzo will jointly lead Ilifa’s strategy and will share responsibility for the overall direction and performance of the organisation.
The model builds on a long-standing working relationship between the two leaders, grounded in mutual trust, a shared commitment to Ilifa’s mission and complementary leadership strengths.
“Ilifa’s work has always depended on strong partnerships, collective leadership and a willingness to adapt as the system around us changes. We have worked alongside one another for many years and know the different strengths each of us brings to Ilifa. This model gives us greater space to lean into those strengths, while continuing to lead the organisation together. Most importantly, it gives us a stronger leadership base for the work ahead and for Ilifa’s continued contribution to strengthening the ECD system in South Africa.”
— Zaheera Mohamed and Senzo Hlophe, Co-CEOs, Ilifa Labantwana
Ilifa’s mission and the direction of its work remain unchanged. The leadership model is evolving to ensure that the organisation remains strong, responsive and able to make its best contribution to building an ECD system that works for young children, families and the people who serve them.
