For Thembisile Ndlovu, 32, storytelling began in the backyards of Madadeni, KwaZulu-Natal, where she entertained her community with performances as a child. Today, Thembisile drives social change at a global scale. As a development partnerships specialist at Anglo American, she leads the Ambassadors for Good programme, a global employee volunteering initiative spanning 15 countries. Her work involves managing partnerships, grant governance, monitoring impact and crafting the narratives that showcase how inclusive growth transforms communities. Thembisile is a volunteer with Inergy2, an African social enterprise working to advance access, innovation and inclusion in the clean energy sector. She has also mentored young women in STEM through WomEng and advises youth-led organisations on climate action and sustainability storytelling. Thembisile holds a Bachelor’s degree in geography and environmental management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a postgraduate diploma in sustainable development from Stellenbosch University, and is completing her master’s in just energy transitions. She was selected for the UN Global Compact SDG Innovation Accelerator.
• Bachelor of Social Sciences in Geography and Environmental Management , University of KwaZulu-Natal
• Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development, Stellenbosch University
• Master of Philosophy in Sustainable Development (Just Energy Transitions), Stellenbosch University (*in progress))
• Various certificates in Occupational Health and Safety, University of Cape Town
I admire Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her grace, clarity and resilience in navigating global leadership; she is a constant reminder that it is possible to lead with both brilliance and humility. I have also been fortunate to be mentored by remarkable South African leaders whose guidance has shaped my journey:
- Thabani Mlilo, an adjunct professor and sustainability executive, taught me how to approach systemic challenges with both scientific rigour and values-based leadership.
- Itumeleng Mogatusi-Sekgota is a quiet force in ESG leadership. Her mentorship has helped me refine my voice as a woman in sustainability, and her deep work in SDG integration has inspired my academic and professional pursuits.
- Maanda Rashaka, whose mantra “love the problem” changed the way I approach innovation, especially in youth-focused impact spaces. His work across South Africa and Kenya through the SDG Innovation Accelerator reminds me that excellence rooted in empathy creates long-lasting change.
- Bernadine Douw, a formidable force in youth skills development, has shown me the transformative power of building talent ecosystems with care.
Their mentorship has shown me that real transformation is both personal and systemic, and that excellence is built through collaboration, not competition.