I am the co-founder and CEO of the 1000 Days of Grace Foundation, an NGO dedicated to transforming maternal and child health during the first 1000 days of life. My work focuses on empowering mothers through breastfeeding support, maternal wellness education, and integrated care. Over the
I am a midwife and childbirth educator. I support families as they prepare for birth and navigate postpartum recovery. Alongside my work, I also offer pro bono antenatal classes because it is important to me that all families have access to support, no matter their
Lerato Solomon is a development practitioner, humanitarian, speaker and founder of Mental Matters. She is dedicated to advancing mental wellness in underserved communities and humanising mental health. Her journey into this work began as a teenager, navigating mental illness challenges while finding her own voice. This lived experience inspired her
Mnothowandile Cele is head of strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement with the Centre for Community Justice and Development in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal. She is a multi-awarded and globally recognised GBV-survivor-turned-researcher who works to ensure that women’s rights are recognised and protected as human rights. The certified Justice scholar from Harvard
Nkele Talifhani Galedzana is a bold, visionary leader from Alexandra Township who has spent her life rewriting the narrative for young people growing up in environments plagued by poverty, addiction, and generational hardship. Through Famship, a movement that supports mothers who have experienced trauma and helps them rekindle relationships
Gugulethu Khumalo is a community builder, motivational speaker, mentor, image consultant, preacher and entrepreneur. Pastor G, as she is popularly known as, serves as an executive director at Family Worship Centre. However, her reach extends well beyond the four walls of the church. This multifaceted leader is known
I am Thando Lelo Nkhoma, a mother, creative, storyteller, herbalist, sacred birth advocate and recently qualified doula. I am the founder of Wombniverse SA, a platform that honors birth stories, teaches, and advocates for women during pregnancy and beyond. Being of service is my greatest calling and I dedicate my time
Pumelela Piko is a social entrepreneur and co-founder of grassroots organisation GQ Mothers’ Club in Gqeberha. The organisation is driven by the aim to give the mothers in the city a voice and support through information, conversations, skills development & training and outreach initiatives. I am so excited to be a Mamandla fellow. I am looking forward to
Loyiso Lindani is a mother, faith-driven leader and founder of the Loyiso Lindani Foundation NPO, which is committed to creating safe spaces for women, adolescent girls and children experiencing homelessness, violence, abandonment, and different forms of trauma to help them heal, grow and thrive. Loyiso is a writer, journalist, published
My name is Sinetemba Bidla and I am based in Dunoon, Cape Town. I am a GBV ambassador and a social auxiliary worker by profession. Currently, I work for Boost Africa Foundation as a team leader in an after-school program called Aftacool. I lead a group of remarkable women who have opened