The people who make Musikili.

My childhood was spent exploring and enjoying the life of a farmer’s child in Kwa-Zulu Natal. I found a passion for teaching whilst still at High School, teaching and assisting under privileged children. My love for sport steered me towards obtaining my Honours Degree in Biokinetics where I worked with a number of professional sports teams. I later travelled to Australia and New Zealand as a Dive Control Specialist on the Great Barrier Reef. For the past 11 years I have been involved in a private school in Umhlanga. I started as the Head of Sport and then moved to a Senior Phase teacher after completing a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. I believe in creating a calm non-threatening environment, where the children have the opportunity to grow as individuals. I encourage them to challenge themselves and believe children learn and grow through life experiences. I wish to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the students that I teach. I have been happily married to my lovely wife Hayley for 7 years, and have 2 wonderful boys; Myles (5) and Jake (3). We are all very excited to be joining the Musikili family.

I am passionate about teaching and imparting skills to learners of various ages. I completed a Bachelor of Primary Education at Wits University. Thereafter, I taught in the Senior Primary phase at a Johannesburg school for two years. I then moved north to Zambia and taught the Grade 2s at Musikili for 12 years while heading up the Foundation Phase Department. My further studies included a 2-year diploma in special needs through RAU University and courses on Integrated Learning Therapy. Part way through 2013, the Kelly family shifted to the Eastern Cape in South Africa where, at Kingswood College in Grahamstown, I taught primarily Mathematics and Science to Grade 6 and 7 learners whilst heading up the Junior Girls’ boarding hostel. I now find myself back in this stimulating Musikili environment where I love to nurture the spiritual growth of those in my care and hope to show each child who crosses my path that they are indeed unique and special, with great purpose attached to their life. I am married to Sean, a pastor and computer programmer, who assists Musikili in maintaining its IT network. Both my sons attended Musikili and gained an excellent grounding with which to tackle Senior School. James, the eldest, is on a tennis scholarship at a university in North Carolina where he pursues a degree in Mathematics. Luke remains as a boarder in Grade 10 at Kingswood.

I was born and raised in East London, South Africa, where I matriculated from Selborne College. After school I studied a Bachelor of Education Degree (Intermediate Phase) at the University of Fort Hare. In 2013 I took a teaching position at Lilyfontein School. During my 11 years of teaching experience at Lilyfontein, I taught Grades 4 and 5 and I am currently teaching Grade 7. I have been the head of the Intermediate Phase for the past two years. I am passionate about teaching and developing the minds of learners, guiding them to be prepared for all challenges they may face in life. I aim to build meaningful relationships with the learners and my colleagues. I am an enthusiastic sports coach and believe that there is great value in the lessons learnt through the involvement in sport. In my spare time I enjoy being in the outdoors and in nature, spending quality time with my wife, Genevieve, and daughter, Robyn. I am also a keen fisherman and golfer. I am excited for this new chapter in my and my family’s life and look forward to being part of the Musikili family and community.

Josh Hayes was born in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, where he completed both his schooling and university studies. After school, he spent a year working at St John’s on the Hill Preparatory School in Wales, where he was part of the Sports Department and served as a classroom assistant across a range of grades. On his return to South Africa, Josh completed a Diploma in Human Resource Management, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), which he achieved Cum Laude, while teaching at a school in East London. Josh then spent three years at Lilyfontein School, where he taught Grade 4 and coached both cricket and hockey. In 2020, he moved to Zambia and joined Musikili Primary School, where he has taught Grades 6 and 7. He has also served as Head of Boarding for the past four years, playing a key role in creating a nurturing and structured environment for boarders. Josh is deeply passionate about education and the holistic development of children. He strives to create a calm yet engaging classroom atmosphere where pupils feel confident to take on challenges and grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Outside the classroom, Josh is an avid sportsman who enjoys cricket, tennis, squash, and golf. He has a great love for the outdoors and particularly enjoys spending time fishing and exploring nature.

My name is Genevieve Geldenhuys. I grew up in Swellendam, near Cape Town, South Africa and attended High School at Hudson Park in East London, South Africa. I attained a Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Fort Hare. My teaching career started in the United Kingdom, where I taught at a school for learners with special needs for two years. I taught year 3, 5 and 9 during my time in England and travelled through Europe. On my return to South Africa, I started teaching at Lilyfontein School in East London and have been teaching there for the past 14 years. I am passionate about the adventure-based education and green status aspects of Lilyfontein. I have been actively involved with raising awareness and funds for rhino conservation and am passionate about the conservation of our beautiful planet. I am married to Brett Geldenhuys and we have a beautiful 2 year old daughter, Robyn. I enjoy outdoor activities, including cycling, hiking and adventure racing! I believe it is our responsibility as educators to equip children with the skills to become critical thinkers and future leaders. My family and I look forward to joining Musikili Primary School and becoming a part of the Musikili community.

Jade is a proud Mazabuka native, having grown up in the community and attended Musikili Primary School. After traveling the world as a professional athlete, Jade returned to Mazabuka in 2021, where they quickly became an active and involved member of the local community. In 2024, Jade completed a degree in education with distinction, earning recognition as the top graduating student of the year. Their journey into teaching began at Musikili Primary, where they discovered a deep passion for making a meaningful impact on children's lives. Now teaching Grade 6 alongside Joshua Hayes, Jade is dedicated to helping students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and personal growth. With a strong belief in the power of education to shape futures, Jade is excited to return to the junior school where they first started their educational journey, giving back to the community by nurturing the next generation of learners. Outside the classroom, Jade enjoys exercise, travel, and cherishes the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new people.

I am Judy Hamutete and I have been teaching for nearly 20 years now. My love for teaching traces its roots from when I was little. I always looked up to my favourite teachers because they inspired me to do my best. I have a very strong compassion and interest in teaching especially the elementary pupils, I have discovered lately. With experience working in both high and elementary schools, as well as being involved in activities outside of the tradition classroom such as outdoor education, I have a diverse background with much to offer. My dedication to students and to learning extends beyond the regular classroom situation, an aspect very essential to Musikili Primary, being a boarding school. Every day, I purposefully look for opportunities to help make a child’s life a little better.I am Judy Hamutete and I have been teaching for nearly 20 years now. My love for teaching traces its roots from when I was little. I always looked up to my favourite teachers because they inspired me to do my best. I have a very strong compassion and interest in teaching especially the elementary pupils, I have discovered lately. With experience working in both high and elementary schools, as well as being involved in activities outside of the tradition classroom such as outdoor education, I have a diverse background with much to offer. My dedication to students and to learning extends beyond the regular classroom situation, an aspect very essential to Musikili Primary, being a boarding school. Every day, I purposefully look for opportunities to help make a child’s life a little better.

We welcome Mrs Donna Hayworth to the Musikili community as she begins an exciting new chapter in Zambia. Donna grew up on a sugarcane farm in a small village in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, surrounded by the warmth of a close-knit family. She speaks fondly of her wonderful parents, two sisters, and brother, and of how their nuclear family of six has grown as each has started families of their own. Donna and her husband, Andy, are from the beautiful seaside town of Ballito, where they raised their two energetic boys, Miles and Daniel, whose energy and laughter keep life full of adventure. Teaching has always held deep meaning for Donna. She has the past 8 years teaching and leading within the Foundation Phase department, at Umhali Prep School. She is passionate about guiding the learning process and witnessing the growth, confidence, and joy that follow. She believes in creating a nurturing, inclusive classroom environment that supports both the academic and emotional needs of every child. For her, ensuring that children feel safe, valued, and inspired is a top priority. Donna is excited to work alongside her new colleagues and parents, and she is committed to making a meaningful contribution to the lives of the children she has the honour of teaching. We are delighted to welcome her to the Musikili team and look forward to the experience, warmth, and dedication she brings.

Hayley grew up in Johannesburg and studied a Bachelor of Education at Wits. She taught Grade 2 and Grade 1 in Johannesburg before moving to Natal in 2007. Hayley taught Grade R for 10 years at Umhlanga College. In 2010 Hayley met Darren her husband at Umhlanga College. They were married in 2013. Hayley and Darren have 2 boys Myles (5) and Jake (3). After Jake was born in 2017, Hayley resigned from teaching to spend more time with her two young boys. She ran a successful swimming school which she took on full time from 2018 until present. Hayley is a dedicated and passionate teacher. She strives to create a friendly and positive environment in which each child can reach their full potential and grow in confidence. Hayley is an active and energetic person who has participated in a variety of sports at different levels. She feels that being active is an integral part of learning and tries to include it in her daily routine of the class.

I have lived in Zambia for most of my life and have been a part of the Mazabuka community for as long as I can remember. I attended Musikili for my primary education before heading to Grahamstown for high school and to study at Rhodes University. I studied a Bachelor of Education. I have been at Musikili since the beginning of 2020 working in various capacities. I am excited to be a part of the development and growth of the Musikili students.

I have 37 years teaching experience with all ages of preschool children and Grade 1. The past 17 years has been in Independent education. I have lived and worked in Durban all this time. I enjoy setting up new innovative programmes that involve active participation of all children, and where real learning takes place. My passion is stimulating children to use their imagination to play and think creatively. I delight in new experiences and challenges, and am on a lifelong journey of learning. My children Amy and Andrew are now independent young adults and thus I am able to grab the adventure of moving to Zambia, and more specifically Musikili with both hands. I appreciate being a part of an active participant of a successful team that I see Musikili is. I am looking forward to a long and happy association with the school.

I moved to Zambia in 2023 with my husband and our three daughters, Cammy (9) and Charlotte and Sarah our 6 year old twins. I am passionate about social responsibility and sustainable development. I believe it is important, if you find yourself in the fortunate position to do so, for each of us to ‘give back’ in some way. I truly believe that education is the greatest gift we can give our children. I studied Fine Art and Organisational Psychology at Rhodes University and then completed my PGCE specialising in Design and Technology, Art and Life Orientation. I began my teaching career 17 years ago as a Primary School teacher In the Eastern Cape, I have taught at a variety of both public and private schools around South Africa, most recently at Brescia House School as HOD. Prior to studying education, I worked in the Public Relations field for a few years and later, alongside teaching, I ran a non-profit organisation. Greatheart was a job creation and skills development initiative that empowered women in the townships of South Africa to develop entrepreneurial skills in order to become self- sustained. In my spare time, you can find me running (not only after my children), I love trail running and spending time in nature. I feel privileged to have landed up as a teacher at Musikili, the environment we get to teach in is extremely unique, the community have been so supportive and I get to teach kind, lovely children who will hopefully go on to ‘give back’ to the world in their own special ways.

With a background in education and a love for working with young children, I’m excited to be part of the Musikili Satellite team. I’m a farm girl, originally from the Eastern Cape in South Africa, where I attended school before studying Politics and French at university, later adding Marketing and Education qualifications. After time in England, I returned to Africa to get married. We began our journey in Mozambique, where I taught at an international school, then lived in Lesotho and South Africa before settling in Zambia. In Siavonga, I started a small pod school and worked on an NGO education project before moving to Lusaka to teach at a Montessori centre. I come from a large family and am a proud mum of three- (Thomas, Sarah, and Annabel). Outside of school, I enjoy padel, tennis, creative home projects, outdoor time with family, and socialising with friends. I’m passionate about nurturing young children and supporting them to become confident, independent learners who are kind and curious. I’m delighted to be part of the Musikili Satellite team and look forward to sharing in the many little moments of discovery, laughter, and growth that make working with young children so rewarding.

Born and raised in Austria, in a town close to the capital Vienna, I started teaching in 2003 after finishing my diploma in Special Education. While teaching at the Federal Institute for the Blind in Vienna I also had the opportunity to attain another diploma for becoming an educator for blind and visually impaired children. Although I had a secure job in Austria I decided to travel and ended up in South Africa, Durban, doing some further studies to become a Development Instructor. Aftervolunteering for a year at Johannesburg School for the Blind I finally moved to Zambia in 2010, where I founded Malaikha School for the Blind, which is now part of the Outreach programme for our Musikili Grade 7s. I always had a passion for Art and had several exhibitions displaying my works, in Austria as well as in Zambia. So I joined the Musikili family in 2014 on a part time basis teaching Art on two days a week. Besides Art, I also enjoy writing and have already published a few books. Since 2019 I also took up the French lessons at Musikili. It is a joy to see especially our young learnersadapting to a foreign language so quickly and eagerly. Since Musikili is a quite sports-orientated school, I always try to give our “arty” kids opportunities to do extra works, so you will frequently find the art room crowded with children who come in their free time to be creative, although no lesson is scheduled. I am married to Cosmo Chileshe, a Zambian musician, and we have a son, Leon, who wasborn in 2015 and is also a student of Musikili.

I have worked at Musikili since the end of 2004 and I teach Zambian Studies, ReligiousEducation and IT. I am also the librarian. One of the things I enjoy about teaching is you learn new things every day. I learn so much as I research for different lessons and I especially love finding interesting stories that help me not only teach the lesson, but connect with my students as well. I have a BAEd from the University of Zambia and I am currently working on getting my CompTIA A+ certification. Outside the classroom, I enjoy traveling, gardening, going to church and watching football. I have been a proud Chelsea supporter since 2006.

Ngawa Ndhlovu is a School Bursar at Musikili School , serving the accounting needs of the school since May 2015. She has over 10 years experience in Accounting and is very passionate about her Job. She is a registered member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants. Away from the office, she loves to wind down the day with Music and Novels and is fascinated with Technology.

My name is Laura Walisko. I have a Diploma in “Business Economics” from Cambridge College. I have worked at Musikili since April 2005 but only took up the position of School Secretary in January 2014. I enjoy working in the front office because I get to meet and talk to different people every day. Being an introvert the position has taught me to put myself out there and interact with people. I love Musikili and especially passionate about the necessary changes that have to be made to meet the modern world. I also enjoy seeing “old Musikilians” bring their children to learn at Musikili.

With a background in graphic design and photography, I began my marketing career in 2015 and joined Musikili in 2019. I love the creative side of marketing and enjoy capturing the school’s spirit through both photography and design. Being part of a school environment is incredibly rewarding—especially as a mother of three girls, all of whom attend Musikili. This dual perspective allows me to market the school authentically, from both a parent’s viewpoint and the school’s. When I’m not on campus, I’m farming with my husband just outside Mazabuka, where our family enjoys the best of both worlds: country life and a vibrant school community.

I am a motivated, reliable house mother who enjoys caring for children at Musikili School. My passion is making sure each child enjoys their school experience. My job involves safe guarding and caring for 150 children from the age of 5 - 13 years, overseeing their emotional and health needs, being their safety-net for the children in the absence of their parents. I enjoy working at Musikili and caring for children and it brings me joy and peace. I joined Musikili School in 2011 as the school caterer up until 2018 when I moved to the boarding department.

Mimi is the house mother for the boys hostel at Musikili Primary School.