Jeff Johnson, Founder/ Executive Director
Jeff is the resident dreamer of Themba International. Through his time studying abroad and later living in South Africa, his dreaming shifted towards what he could do to address the poverty and dire need of the communities he fell in love with in S.A. He knew that he needed to be willing to give the shirt off his back, and that is where the idea of Themba was born—a movement centered around clothing, creativity, and the reckless desire to love one’s neighbor. Jeff graduated with a degree in theology at Azusa Pacific University, and is currently studying for his M. Div. at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Vanessa van Zyl, South African Director
Vanessa is a native daughter of California, but she certainly has Africa in her blood. Through her tremendous talent in fashion and enormous heart for people, Vanessa has lived and worked for the upliftment of women in Uganda, Rwanda, and South Africa. After studying apparel manufacturing management at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, and working in fashion design for Invisible Children and KEZA, Vanessa comes to Themba International with a great deal of experience and passion. Vanessa and her husband, Rehgert, currently divide their time between George and Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa.
Sean Thompson, Media Coordinator
Sean is our media and art extraordinaire, and is responsible for the making of this legit website! After graduating from APU, Sean lent his hands and heart to volunteering in South Africa with Jeff in the winter of 2009. Today, Sean and his wife Laura have recently moved to South Africa, and will continue to touch lives in the communities of George, SA. Everyone at Themba International is stoked for the Thompson’s, and we are grateful to have more friends doing great work for the people of South Africa.
