South Africa: A Natural Leader Who Found Her Wings: Nothando Changing Lives One Step at a Time

Story

When Nothando Ngubane first joined the Phakamisa Girls Economic Empowerment Programme in 2020, she had no idea how profoundly it would shape her life. At the time, she was a young woman from Pietermaritzburg searching for opportunities to grow and make a difference. What she found was more than a Programme it was a platform that unlocked her potential and gave her wings to soar.

From the very beginning, Nothando stood out. She didn’t just attend workshops; she absorbed every lesson and applied it with determination. Her commitment and leadership qualities quickly became evident, and soon she was elected HUGS President, a role that allowed her to inspire and support other young women in the Programme.

The journey didn’t stop there. Nothando embraced every opportunity that came her way. She became part of a learnership Programme organized by the Sasopsbiz Foundation, gaining practical skills that strengthened her economic independence. Her passion for empowering others led her to take on the role of Peer Educator, where she now excels in mentoring and guiding young women in her community.

For Nothando, the transformation was not just professional it was deeply personal. She discovered her voice, her confidence, and her ability to lead. Today, she is a beacon of hope for many young women who face challenges of unemployment, inequality, and limited opportunities. Through her work, she is changing lives one step at a time, proving that empowerment is contagious.

Reflecting on her journey, Nothando says:
“I joined the Programme at the beginning and have been active ever since. Every event, every workshop taught me something new. I am grateful for the support and mentorship that helped me grow into the leader I am today.”

Her story is a testament to the power of feminist leadership and community-driven initiatives. Programmed like Phakamisa and organizations like Sasopsbiz Foundation, supported by Gender Links’ Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) Programme, are not just creating opportunities they are building movements of change-makers who will shape a more equal and inclusive future.

Nothando’s journey reminds us that when young women are given tools, knowledge, and support, they don’t just transform their own lives they transform their communities.

By Nothando Ngubane, Petermarizburg