Nonkululeko Hlongwane-Mhlongo

Is a community engagement strategist and founder of Female President Academy, an organisation that empowers women and promotes peace through civic education. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Leadership and Citizenship. Nonkululeko has over 12 years’ experience in civil society, and specialises in community engagement strategies for the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and government with a strong focus on policy development. Nonkululeko has dedicated the last five years to addressing the urgent needs of communities affected by climate change, particularly in the wake of devastating floods in KwaZulu Natal. Her notable contributions to health and social justice include developing advocacy content, writing short courses on leadership and civic education, and training over 2,000 young people nationwide. Nonkululeko previously served as the provincial chairperson for the new South African political party Rise Mzansi, and was the party’s Premier candidate in the 2024 national elections. She was previously selected by the Consulate of the United States of America to participate in the International Visitors Leadership Programme in the USA, where she was the youngest among health sector leaders from across Africa.