At the forefront of South Africa’s philanthropic landscape, Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo, the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, is steadfast in her commitment to transforming the lives of the nation’s youth.
As the Fund gears up for its 30th anniversary in 2025, she envisions it as a pivotal advocate for children, striving to be the foremost voice on child welfare locally and globally.
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A poignant moment in Ncube-Nkomo’s journey occurred during a visit to Thaba Nchu in the Free State, where she met a remarkable group of women engaged in the Fund’s sustainable livelihoods programme. These women began their journey with a modest R2 weekly contribution, forming a self-help group that pooled their savings to acquire a vending machine for electricity and airtime during the Covid-19 lockdown. Their entrepreneurial spirit flourished, enabling them to invest in livestock and distribute sanitary pads to schoolgirls, ensuring that young women could attend school without disruption.
She acknowledges the profound responsibility of leading an organisation named after Nelson Mandela, stating, “People often think that resources come easily but we work hard to secure funding amidst growing social needs and limited resources.” This reality underscores the relentless efforts required to tackle pressing societal challenges.
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The recent Boy Joy Summit exemplified the Fund’s innovative approach to addressing contemporary issues. This groundbreaking event convened young boys to discuss their unique challenges, aiming to dismantle stereotypes surrounding masculinity and amplify their voices. Ncube-Nkomo highlighted, “Holistic early childhood development is crucial; early interventions can prevent educational dropouts and health problems later in life.” This focus on early development is central to the Fund’s mission.
Balancing local priorities with international collaborations remains a strategic focus for the Fund. While its primary commitment is to South African children, there is an invigorated effort to forge global connections, ensuring that local community needs take precedence.
Ncube-Nkomo’s transition from the corporate sector to the non-profit realm was a purposeful decision, driven by her desire to effect meaningful change in people’s lives. Her leadership philosophy is shaped by positive influences and challenging experiences, emphasising the importance of nurturing talent and fostering a collaborative environment.
Looking ahead, she envisions a South Africa where every adult takes an active role in safeguarding children’s rights. By empowering young leaders, the Fund aims to address immediate issues and cultivate a future where child welfare is paramount. “Even small contributions from the community can lead to transformative outcomes,” she asserted, emphasising our collective responsibility to nurture the next generation.
Under her visionary leadership, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund stands as a beacon of hope, advocating for a society where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
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