Ongeziwe Nxokwana, 31, was raised in the coastal town of Gonubie near East London by her aunt, a woman who instilled the values of excellence, love and possibility. She serves as innovation manager at the DG Murray Trust (DGMT), driving strategic learning in early childhood development, literacy and numeracy. Her role centres on managing a diverse grant portfolio — guiding proposals, overseeing implementation, and ensuring alignment with broader developmental goals. Site visits and data reflections are routine, with insights helping to shape responsive, grounded programming. She also scouts for and scales up promising innovations, connects organisations across sectors, and bridges gaps between grassroots efforts and national policy. Her writing captures the human narrative — amplifying the voices of caregivers, youth and community leaders. An alumna of Rhodes University, Ongeziwe holds a BA in psychology and sociology and an honours in development studies. She represented the DGMT at the World Literacy Summit in Oxford, is a 2025 Mandela Washington fellow, and serves on the board of Ikamva Labantwana Bethu.
A deeply admired role model is my older sister, Akholiwe. As a guiding light from an early age, she has consistently modelled grace, dedication and selflessness. While opposites in temperament — outspoken and direct versus calm and quietly focused — her influence has been profound. She works tirelessly without seeking recognition, prioritises family, and makes quiet sacrifices with unwavering strength. As my first friend, her example shaped early ambitions and sparked the desire to follow in her footsteps. Her ability to navigate life with boldness, education and resilience served as proof that it is possible to dream big, pursue purpose, and lead with heart. Much of what has been achieved, personally and professionally, is rooted in the example she set — whether she realises it or not, she remains one of the greatest influences.