Thabiso Mokoena, guiding the direction
Thabiso Mokoena leads PioCreat Africa with a steady hand and a clear view of what creators need to move forward. He keeps the focus on practical community building, making sure each programme has a purpose, a proper outcome and space for people to meet the right collaborators. His approach is grounded in action, not noise, and that shapes how the network shows up across Johannesburg and the wider continent.
- Sets the direction for chapters and cross-border programmes
- Helps keep the network focused on real creator outcomes
- Supports partnerships that open doors for members
Lusanda Mtshali, shaping the programme rhythm
Lusanda Mtshali looks after the flow of the programme calendar, from mentorship circles to showcase nights and collaborative sessions. She knows that creators need structure as much as inspiration, so she plans activities that are easy to join and worth the time. Her work keeps the pace consistent across in-person and online sessions, with enough room for people to connect properly.
She also pays close attention to what members ask for, then helps shape events that respond to those needs. That means the programme does not feel random, it feels built around the people in it.
- Plans meetups, circles and session schedules
- Balances online and in-person participation
- Tracks member needs and programme feedback
Anele Khumalo, building useful partnerships
Anele Khumalo works on community partnerships, which means keeping conversations open with creators, venues, collectives and support organisations. He is often the person linking PioCreat Africa to new opportunities in different cities, so members can access more places to show work, meet peers and find collaborators. His strength lies in making partnerships practical, not heavy with admin.
He is especially attentive to how partnerships serve members on the ground, whether that means a local chapter link in Pretoria or a wider connection into Nairobi. The result is a network that feels connected without losing its local character.
Musa Naicker, producing showcases that work
Musa Naicker handles showcase production, which means he takes ideas from planning through to the day everything goes live. He keeps an eye on layout, timing, presenter flow and the small details that make a creator event feel organised. In Johannesburg venues where timing can be tight and power can be unpredictable, that level of care matters.
He also helps make sure the work on display is presented well, with enough attention to placement and pacing so makers can be seen clearly. That care gives each showcase a proper sense of value and helps creators put their work in front of the right audience.
Nosipho Baloyi, supporting mentorship with care
Nosipho Baloyi coordinates mentorship, matching members with people who can give useful feedback on their work, pricing, market readiness and next steps. She understands that good mentorship is personal, not generic, so she helps create matches that make sense for each creator’s goals and stage of growth. Her work helps members feel seen, and also challenged in the right way.
She keeps the process human and clear, so people know what they are signing up for and what they can expect. That kind of guidance is especially valuable for makers trying to move from early ideas into a more settled offering.
- Matches mentors and creators with relevant goals
- Supports pricing and market readiness conversations
- Helps members get practical feedback on direction
Sipho Mthembu, keeping the digital community active
Sipho Mthembu manages the digital side of the community, which includes online sessions, member communication and the everyday touchpoints that keep people connected between events. He helps make sure members in different cities can still take part, whether they are joining from Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria or further afield. That consistency matters when creators are balancing work, travel and patchy connectivity.
His job is part structure and part conversation, making the online space feel active and useful rather than crowded or noisy. He helps members stay informed, stay involved and keep showing up.
Farai Chikosi, handling operations and event flow
Farai Chikosi manages operations and events, keeping the practical side of PioCreat Africa running smoothly. From venue checks and event setup to coordination with speakers, facilitators and support teams, he makes sure the details are handled before people arrive. That matters in Braamfontein, where creator events often need tight timing, clear access and solid planning around transport and load-shedding.
He is also the one who helps turn plans into something people can actually attend and enjoy. His work gives the team a reliable base, so the creative side can do its job properly.
- Manages venue setup and event logistics
- Coordinates schedules with speakers and facilitators
- Keeps operations practical for live and online sessions