Takalani Sesame expands vision under new leadership
Onyinye Nwaneri has been appointed managing director for Sesame Workshop South Africa, bringing more than two decades of experience in social impact and child development.

Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organisation behind beloved educational TV programmes Sesame Street and Takalani Sesame, has appointed Dr Onyinye (Onyi) Nwaneri as its new managing director for South Africa.
Nwaneri brings a wealth of experience in the social impact sector and will spearhead the organisation’s South African operations and its strategic growth into Africa.
With more than 20 years of experience as an organisational leader, Nwaneri has developed and implemented initiatives that focus on children’s development, particularly during their critical early years. Most recently, she served as group CEO at Afrika Tikkun, an organisation committed to empowering children and youth through development programmes and employment solutions.
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She also has experience with global organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme and Regency Foundation Networx, as well as a background in corporate, commercial, and litigation law in Nigeria.
Under her leadership, Sesame Workshop aims to build on the success of Takalani Sesame, which has long been a cornerstone of early childhood education in South Africa. The show combines entertainment and education to teach foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, and emotional well-being. Nwaneri is tasked with expanding the organisation’s reach, ensuring that its impact touches even more children, families, and caregivers across the continent.
“For over two decades, Onyi has built a strong track record as an organisational leader in the social impact sector in South Africa, building and guiding programmes that support children’s development starting in the critical early years,” said Lesley Bourns, Sesame Workshop’s senior vice president of International Social Impact.
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“Her extensive background in driving strategic, operational growth, along with her passion for impactful development programmes, will be invaluable as she leads the Workshop’s South Africa team into an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation.”
Nwaneri expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, highlighting the transformative power of early childhood education. “When we reach children in their early years, we help shape a strong foundation for success throughout their lives,” she said.
“Sesame Workshop has demonstrated the power of this investment as a leading innovator in children’s education for South Africa and countries around the world. I am proud to join their dynamic, inspirational team, and excited to help shape the Workshop’s strategic vision to reach children, families, and caregivers and support a future full of opportunity for all.”
Sesame Workshop, known globally for its innovative and inclusive programming, remains committed to ensuring that children grow up smarter, stronger, and kinder. Nwaneri’s appointment signals a renewed focus on leveraging these values to uplift communities across South Africa and beyond.
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