Elzeth Zastrau
Manager (Primary Data Intelligence)
Elzeth Zastrau is a manager in the Primary Data Intelligence (PDI) unit at Genesis, based in Cape Town, South Africa.
She brings over a decade of experience in socio-economic research, with a strong focus on social protection, early childhood development, education and child health. Her work spans across Africa and Asia, supporting evidence-based policy, programme evaluation, and the strengthening of government systems through rigorous data collection, analysis, and capacity building.
Before joining Genesis, Elzeth worked at ikapadata and the Economic Policy Research Institute, and has also served as an independent consultant. Her portfolio includes managing large-scale impact evaluations, national surveys, and programme assessments funded by global organisations such as the World Bank, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the LEGO Foundation. Key projects include the Jolly Phonics Learning Evaluation in Namibia, the Thrive by Five Index in South Africa, the Roots and Shoots Evaluation for Funda Wande, and several early childhood development studies in South Africa and Uganda.
Elzeth’s core competencies include end-to-end research management, ranging from evaluation design and tool development to data quality assurance, team training, and stakeholder engagement. She plays a central role in driving capacity development initiatives and supporting the operationalisation of rigorous and transparent data systems.
She holds two MPhil degrees in Monitoring & Evaluation and Environmental Management from Stellenbosch University, along with a Postgraduate diploma and BA in Environmental and Development Studies. Elzeth’s career is underpinned by a commitment to evidence-based decision-making, inclusive development, and practical solutions that improve outcomes for children and communities.
