After four years in charge of SIP's Production, Chris took over as Executive Director at the start of 2011. After graduating in Chemistry and Mathematics, Chris gained many years senior management experience with Swaziland Beverages. He is now in the final stages of part time studies for an MBA with ESAMI.

Sindile began with SIP making soap when we started back in 2005, before progressing to the role of Procurement Officer. Since then, she has steadily taken on more responsibility and now heads up all liaison with our supplier communities. This includes facilitating 33 self help groups, ensuring compliance with organic certification and establishing Member Groups. She is also the model on our publicity materials.

Zanele joined SIP as Finance & Administration Officer in 2007 and has progressively moved over into more sales and marketing duties. She is now responsible for Swazi sales, while training to take on overall responsibility for Sales & Marketing in the future. It is an unusual switch but Zanele's warm, engaging manner makes her well suited to the new role.

Bongani Hadzebe knows about natural oil pressing from A to Z, having started with SIP as an oil presser when the factory opened in 2005. Now Production Superintendent, he is day to day responsible for all production matters.

Khulile joined SIP in May 2008 to strengthen Administration and Finance - and immediately brought a new dimension to the team with a cool, sharp mind and a warm heart. Equipped with a Diploma in Business Management and Administration, she has now taken over full responsibility for Finance and Administration.

Having started SIP in 2004 and been its Executive Director, John stepped down in January 2011 as part of a planned handover to local management. However, John is staying on with specific responsibility for international marketing and donor relations, as well as supporting the Management Team in their new responsibilities.

Stefanie works part time as our Project Manager - Innovations. With 10 years experience in European marketing, she successfully led the team achieving Organic Certification for SIP and managed the introduction of our new product designs. She is currently integrating new products into the Swazi Secrets range and working on Fair Trade certification of our products.

Jabu is part of the Member Services team, buying raw materials from the rural women, but also assisting in organic training, setting up Member Groups and supporting the self help groups. Jabu has been with SIP since the factory opened, having started as a Production Assistant.

Sifiso is another original staff member, having joined as an oil presser when the factory opened. Since then, Sifiso has taken on responsibility for stock management and preparing orders for despatch.

Lindiwe started as a temporary worker, pulping marula fruit but has since moved on to the full time staff as a Production Assistant. She is also trained to assist in conducting quality tests in the laboratory.

Patricia joined the Swazi Secrets team as a cleaner in 2010 and progressed quickly to join our Production team. Visitors to the factory are likely to meet Patricia as she is always keen to show them around and relate the Swazi Secrets Story.

Lungile first worked at SIP as a temporary assistant pulping marula fruit for sweet production. When the season finished, she joined the permanent staff to assist in Production.

Phetsile used to crack and supply marula kernels to the factory then added the responsibility of being organic representative for her home area of Malindza. She now works as a full time staff member, making the range of marula cosmetics.

Outside, Sikhumbuso Matsebula takes great pride in developing the grounds as a showpiece for indigenous trees, as well as undertaking maintenance tasks around the Factory.