Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has worn many distinguished hats throughout her illustrious career. From her early days as a teacher to her tenure as Deputy President of South Africa, Chancellor, Executive Director of UN Women, and now Chair of the Mlambo Foundation, her journey is an inspiration to many. Her dedication to education, gender equality, and leadership has made a significant impact on countless lives.
Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka’s career began in education, a field she remains passionate about to this day. Her initial role as a teacher laid the foundation for her future endeavours. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges that teaching was her primary ambition. Politics, she notes, was never a planned destination but rather a path she was drawn to by circumstance and opportunity.
“It’s important for young people to understand the value of education in their specialised field, but also to remain adaptable and seize opportunities as they arise,” she emphasises. “I never trained for most of the roles I later occupied; I simply embraced the challenges and learnt on the job.”
Her transition from the classroom to the political arena exemplifies her adaptability and commitment to serving her community. As she navigated her career, she remained grounded in her passion for education, always seeking to uplift others through knowledge and empowerment.
Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka’s political career is marked by significant milestones. As Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and later as Minister of Minerals and Energy, she navigated unfamiliar territories with determination and resilience. Her ascent to Deputy President of South Africa in 2005 was a historic moment, making her the first woman to hold this position.
Working alongside Nelson Mandela was both a challenge and an inspiration for her. “Madiba was a high achiever with great expectations,” she recalls. “He led by example, compelling those around him to constantly improve and set high goals for themselves.”
At UN Women, she launched the HeForShe campaign, which encouraged men to advocate for gender equality.”
During her tenure as Deputy President, Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka championed various initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of South Africans. Her efforts in driving policies for poverty reduction, education reform, and women’s rights left an indelible mark on the nation. Her leadership style, characterised by empathy and tenacity, earned her widespread respect and admiration.
Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka’s influence extended beyond South Africa’s borders when she became the Executive Director of UN Women in 2013. During her tenure, she championed gender equality and women’s empowerment on a global scale, driving initiatives that addressed gender-based violence, economic empowerment, and leadership opportunities for women.
This groundbreaking initiative garnered global support and highlighted the importance of inclusive advocacy. Her work with UN Women brought her into collaboration with world leaders, activists, and organisations, amplifying her impact and furthering her mission of equality.
In addition to her role at UN Women, Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka serves as the Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, where she continues to advocate for educational excellence and innovation. Currently, she leads the Mlambo Foundation, named after the river, which symbolises continuity and life.
The Mlambo Foundation focuses on education, particularly for girls, ensuring that no child is left behind. “Education is the one thing that can help many young girls secure a place in society and avoid becoming victims of gender-based violence,” she explains. The foundation works at the primary school level to tackle illiteracy, providing teachers with the necessary training to effectively teach reading and writing.
The Mlambo Foundation is dedicated to creating educational opportunities for children, with a special focus on girls. At the primary school level, the foundation addresses the critical issue of illiteracy, training teachers to ensure that students can read and write proficiently. This foundational work is crucial, as literacy is the bedrock upon which all other learning is built.
In secondary education, the foundation supports teachers in critical subjects such as maths, physics, accounting, robotics, and coding. These subjects are pivotal for students, particularly girls, to access meaningful job opportunities in the future. By equipping teachers with the skills and knowledge they need, the Mlambo Foundation ensures that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
“Girls are very innovative; they are nation builders,” says Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka. “If we educate a girl, we educate a nation. It’s our responsibility to ensure that girls are not slipping through the net.” Looking ahead, Ms Mlambo- Ngcuka is keen to enhance the foundation’s impact through strategic partnerships. An upcoming initiative involves launching a series of lectures and events focusing on empowering women and girls. This includes addressing issues such as gender-based violence and promoting educational opportunities for girls.
“We’re planning to launch a series of lectures around the theme of empowering women and girls,” she explains. “These events will provide a platform for discussing critical issues, sharing knowledge, and forging partnerships that can drive meaningful change.”
The foundation aims to collaborate with corporate partners, leveraging their resources and expertise to expand its reach and impact. By organising high-profile events and engaging with stakeholders, the Mlambo Foundation seeks to raise awareness and secure the support needed to advance its mission.
Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka’s journey from teacher to global leader is a testament to her resilience,
adaptability, and unwavering commitment to education and gender equality. Her work with the Mlambo Foundation continues to make a significant impact, empowering the next generation of leaders.
Her message to young people is clear: “Embrace education, remain adaptable, and seize opportunities. In doing so, you can achieve great things.”
Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka’s legacy is one of service, leadership, and advocacy. Through her efforts, countless lives have been transformed, and her work continues to inspire future generations. As she leads the Mlambo Foundation into the future, her vision for a more equitable and educated world remains a guiding light for all who follow in her footsteps.
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