South Africa: Rising Through Resilience, Leading Through Compassion

A Journey of Transformation 

When Senzekile first walked through the doors of Incema NPO, she carried with her a social work qualification—and the weight of unemployment. Despite her credentials, opportunities were scarce, and the dream of making a tangible difference in her community seemed distant. Yet, what began as a volunteer role would soon evolve into a story of resilience, leadership, and groundbreaking impact. 

From Volunteer to Visionary 

Senzekile’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication and structured support. Trained in Incema’s core functions—comprehensive child protection and behavioural change interventions—she quickly became indispensable. Her eagerness to learn and unwavering commitment stood out, and within two years, she rose from a junior social worker to a supervisory role. In this position, she mentored new recruits and helped refine programmatic interventions, ensuring that services reached those who needed them most. 

The turning point came in 2022 when Senzekile was appointed Manager of Psycho-Social Services. This was more than a promotion; it was a recognition of her ability to lead with empathy and vision. Under her stewardship, the psychosocial department flourished. She managed a team deployed across five schools and two clinics, ensuring that vulnerable children and families received consistent, quality care. 

Innovation in Action: The Court Placement Project 

One of Senzekile’s most notable achievements was spearheading the Court Placement Project—a pioneering initiative embedding social workers in courts to support survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This model bridged a critical gap in the justice system, offering survivors immediate psychosocial support during one of the most traumatic periods of their lives. 

Her calm leadership and professional acumen transformed this idea into a formalised service now recognised across KwaZulu-Natal. According to the Chief Prosecutor, other courts in the province have requested the same model—a clear testament to its success and sustainability. 

Voices of Change 

The impact of Senzekile’s work is best captured in the words of those she has served: 

• Syabonga Ndima:“The service received was very good.” 
• Andiswa Nzimande:“She is happy with the service she received.” 
• Ntando Ngcobo:“He says he is very happy and satisfied with the service.” 

These voices echo a broader truth: when systems are strengthened and individuals empowered, communities thrive. 

Evidence of Impact 

Senzekile’s trajectory—from volunteer to psychosocial services manager—speaks volumes. Her leadership has not only elevated service standards but also introduced innovative practices that are shaping provincial responses to GBV. Today, she stands as a driver of change, proving that resilience coupled with opportunity can rewrite narratives. 

Sustainability and Next Steps 

Looking ahead, Incema aims to maintain and enhance service standards, ensuring that every intervention meets the highest benchmarks of care and professionalism. The Court Placement Project will continue to expand, and with leaders like Senzekile at the helm, the future of psychosocial support in KwaZulu-Natal looks promising. 

Why This Story Matters 

This is more than a personal success story—it is a blueprint for systemic change. It demonstrates how investment in capacity-building and leadership development can yield transformative results for individuals and communities alike. In a region grappling with high rates of GBV, initiatives like these offer hope, healing, and a pathway to justice. 

By: Nokwethemba Mnomiya.