Sesame Workshop Names Mari Payne Country Director for South Africa

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the locally produced Takalani Sesame and the globally beloved Sesame Street, has named Mari Payne as Country Director for South Africa. Payne will lead all strategy and operations for Sesame Workshop South Africa (SWSA), leveraging the strength of Takalani Sesame to advance the organization’s mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.

“Mari is a proven leader with an impressive track record of championing children and families across South Africa,” said Lesley Bourns, Senior Vice President, Impact Programs. “She brings nearly two decades of experience in early childhood learning, leading high-profile initiatives, and cultivating strategic partnerships that drive both impact and sustainable growth. Mari is exceptionally well positioned to lead Sesame Workshop South Africa’s next chapter.”

Payne first joined SWSA in March 2019, serving as Director, Education and Outreach for four years, before becoming Deputy Managing Director and Senior Director of Education and Programmes in 2024. Most recently, she served as Acting Managing Director, stewarding curriculum development and overseeing program design and implementation in South Africa. Beyond her time with SWSA, Payne brings nearly 20 years of experience in child rights, child law, early childhood development, and education. She has held pivotal roles at Save the Children South Africa and UNICEF South Africa, where she contributed to transformative education and advocacy projects that reached more than 130,000 children directly and millions more through broadcast and digital platforms.

“For over 25 years, SWSA has reached millions of children across the country with critical early education and lessons about respect and the humanity of others — including fundamental values like sharing, caring, and being kind,” said Payne. “I’m excited and energized to lead to this crucial work and continue driving our vital impact initiatives.”

About Sesame Workshop South Africa

Sesame Workshop South Africa is the organization behind Takalani Sesame and so much more . For over 25 years, we have supported children and the caring adults in their lives in the moments that shape early childhood, reaching families with playful learning across South Africa. Through beloved characters, joyful educational media, direct services, and outreach in communities, our programs help children understand themselves, connect with others, and make sense of an ever-changing world. Takalani Sesame, the South African adaptation of Sesame Street, launched in 2000 and has impacted millions of young lives and counting. Sesame Workshop South Africa is part of Sesame Workshop, the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street with a mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at https://takalanisesame.org.za/