ABOUT US

Meet the Team

Kilimanjaro Champion

Stephanie Brown

How do you climb a mountain? “One step at a time,” says Stephanie, who has just completed her 7^th Kilimanjaro climb in 2024.

She does it for the physical challenge and because she enjoys sharing this unique experience with others. “For most of us, this is the most physically challenging thing we have ever done and reaching that summit leaves us feeling strong and confident.”

Stephanie was a lawyer in her previous life. She is passionate about animals and community. She believes that small steps can make a big impact and that each of us has the capacity to drive positive change.

HIKING Champion

Jennie Ashwal

Jennie loves a physical challenge – whether it’s the famous South African Oxpecker run or Kilimanjaro with Kusudi La in 2022. She is also an animal lover making her the perfect fit for Kusudi La.

Jennie is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Johannesburg and brings to our team a deep understanding of wellness, including the benefits of spending time in nature for our emotional well-being.

“The busier our lives, the more important it is for us to find ways to disconnect from day-to-day “busi-ness”. Spending time in nature allows us to disconnect from the ‘busi-ness’ of our lives,” says Jennie. “I feel refreshed and re-energised after our weekend hikes.”

Brand Champion

Zanri Marais

Zanri joined our team in 2019 after responding to a call for help with our Kilimanjaro certificates. It’s all digitalised now, but in those days we had to write our own names on our certificates.

Zanri believes in the power of individuals to drive change and lives that change every day – whether it’s in her work for Kusudi La, her SA Guide Dog volunteering or her design and communications work for small businesses.

The Atlas Mountains in Morocco and puppy-raising a guide dog are on her bucket list, but for now she is just trying to keep her plants happy. It starts with a dream!

Marketing Champion

Lizzy Haskins

Lizzy brings more than 15 years of experience in Business Development, Marketing and Operations across Africa and across many sectors to Kusudi La.

She loves pushing herself to the limit and has done several Iron (Wo)man competitions. She also loves being in nature and outdoors and is passionate about the importance of assisting all living creatures. Kilimanjaro is on her bucket list.

Watch this space!

Community Champion

Fambai Marara

Fambai is a dedicated Kusudi La board member with a passion for outdoor adventures and a commitment to animal welfare and community. With experience in teaching and retail, Fambai is inspired by Kusudi La’s purpose to deepen our connection to nature and to raise funds for the care and well-being of all living creatures. He is committed to helping Kusudi La achieve its annual goals for animal welfare organisations and positively impact communities.

Admin Champion

Dee Downing

Dee is a dedicated Admin Assistant committed to working for meaningful impact. She believes that her role goes beyond providing admin; it’s about supporting people and fostering growth through engagement that challenges our traditional boundaries. Dee is very passionate about animal rescue, dedicating her time and resources wherever possible to help animals in need.

Team Support Champion

Pauline Ndlovu

Pauline loves to challenge herself, both mentally and physically. With a heart full of sympathy and deep respect for others, she believes in lifting people up while pushing her own limits. Whether it’s at the gym or in everyday life, she’s always striving to grow stronger, kinder, and more grounded in purpose.

Get involved

We are a registered non-profit social enterprise that uses adventure to raise funds for the care and well-being of all living creatures. We are a fundraising organisation and identify specific beneficiaries and projects each year that align with our purpose.

Privacy Policy
Shipping Policy
Returns & Refund Policy
General Terms & Conditions
Competitions Terms & Conditions