Nokukhanya Ndobe, a 20-year-old geological science student at the University of the Witwatersrand, is a remarkable example of how education and passion can converge to inspire change.
As a young leader and advocate for her community, Ndobe's journey has been notably shaped by her involvement with the Imbumba Foundation’s Vision 2020 program.
The young leader hailing from Pretoria reveals that this initiative not only nurtures academic excellence but also emphasises the importance of leadership and social responsibility.
She explains that the foundation has equipped her with access to vital resources and opportunities, broadening her horizons. She says more than just academic assistance, Vision 2020 has instilled in her a sense of purpose and a drive to give back.
In a recent conversation with The Star, Ndobe spoke about being a beneficiary and how this has changed her life saying: “As a beneficiary of the Imbumba Foundation, I have received unwavering support that has made pursuing my studies possible.
“Their mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities have not only inspired me but have also helped me find other young leaders who motivate me every day.”
The programme, characterised by interactive workshops, has opened new avenues for Ndobe.
“The Vision 2020 programme has interactive workshops. Using the workshops, that is where I found that I cannot only do a geology course; I can also become a leader somehow.
“We had workshops where we would identify and discuss challenges faced every day in a school environment and come up with solutions to address those challenges. This is the reason why I started a foundation around the Mamelodi community in Pretoria, where we use our funds to buy food and help those less privileged,” she explains.
Expressing gratitude, she says: “I am eternally grateful for their vision and dedication to building future leaders. Their support has enabled me to pursue my academic and career goals while carrying forward the values of community upliftment and sustainable development.”
As the Secretary of the All-Residence Sub-Council and a member of the House Committee at Wits University, Ndobe has honed her skills in resource mobilisation and stakeholder collaboration.
She also explains that her dedication to geology is fuelled by an aspiration that extends beyond her academic attainment.
“Using my geology qualification, I believe that in the future maybe I can own a mine. I don’t know, maybe I can create jobs for communities that are less privileged, especially in the rural areas,” she reflects.
Ndobe, a passionate leader, leads a non-profit organisation, Teens with Vision dedicated to addressing hunger, poverty, education, and sustainability, demonstrating her exemplary leadership qualities.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za