Queen Nompumelelo Mchiza to Inspire Women at Afri-Masterclass in Sandton
Queen Nompumelelo Mchiza, widow of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, will be the Guest of Honour and a special guest speaker at the Afri-Masterclass Women’s Month Edition in Sandton on Saturday, 5 September 2026.
The gathering will bring together women leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, founders and changemakers for conversations centred on leadership, enterprise, mentorship, heritage and meaningful collaboration.
Queen Nompumelelo’s participation places education, traditional leadership, motherhood and community service at the heart of the programme as South Africa transitions from Women’s Month into Heritage Month.
A member of the Zulu Royal House, Queen Nompumelelo has built a public life extending beyond her royal responsibilities. She became an educator in 1997 and taught Grade 5 and Grade 6 learners at Kamsweli Primary School in Nongoma.
Her work exposed her to the challenges confronting children in rural communities, including poverty, hunger, inadequate educational resources and limited access to opportunities. She later became principal of Queen Kamsweli Primary School, situated near the eNyokeni Royal Residence.
Her commitment to children also extended beyond the classroom when she became the guardian of two orphaned learners.
“Throughout my life, I have learnt that leadership is ultimately about service,” Queen Nompumelelo said ahead of the event.
“Whether one is a mother, a teacher, a community leader or a member of a royal household, we all have a responsibility to leave something meaningful for those who come after us.”
She said Heritage Month should encourage South Africans to recognise that heritage is not merely inherited but must also be protected, strengthened and passed on.
“Our children must know where they come from while being equipped with the knowledge and confidence to determine where they are going. I look forward to sharing my journey and experiences at the Afri-Masterclass,” she said.
Queen Nompumelelo, who is of Xhosa heritage, was born in the former Transkei and spent much of her formative life in Zululand, where her father worked in the KwaZulu Department of Education.
She married King Goodwill Zwelithini on 25 July 1992 and became part of the Zulu Royal House. The couple had three children: Princess Nqobangothando Zulu, Prince Nhlangano Zulu and Princess Cebo Zulu.
Afri-Masterclass founder Zamani Ndimande described her participation as an extraordinary honour.
“Her story reminds us that leadership can take many forms. It can be found in a royal household, but it can also be found in boardrooms, in a classroom, in the raising of children and in the service of communities,” Ndimande said.
“Her commitment to education and young people speaks directly to the kind of intergenerational leadership we want to celebrate at Afri-Masterclass.”
Established in 2018, Afri-Masterclass creates platforms through which African entrepreneurs, creatives, founders and culture builders can connect, exchange knowledge and develop ideas capable of producing lasting economic and social value.
Organisers believe Queen Nompumelelo’s participation will deepen conversations about the relationship between traditional leadership, education, women’s advancement, cultural preservation and youth development.
“We want women to leave this room not only inspired, but connected. Connected to opportunities, connected to one another, connected to their heritage and connected to the responsibility of shaping what comes next,” Ndimande added.
The Afri-Masterclass Women’s Month Edition will take place at Sanlam, 11 Alice Lane, Sandhurst, Sandton, on Saturday, 5 September 2026.
