Queen Nompumelelo Mchiza, the widow of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, will serve as the Guest of Honour and deliver a keynote address at the Afri-Masterclass Women’s Month Edition in Sandton on Saturday, 5 September 2026.
This event aims to unite women leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, founders, and changemakers for discussions focused on leadership, business, mentorship, heritage, and cooperation.
Queen Nompumelelo’s involvement emphasizes the significance of education, traditional authority, motherhood, and community service, aligning with South Africa’s shift from Women’s Month to Heritage Month.
As a member of the Zulu Royal House, Queen Nompumelelo has cultivated a public life that extends beyond her royal duties. She commenced her career in education in 1997, teaching Grade 5 and Grade 6 students at Kamsweli Primary School in Nongoma.
This role highlighted the issues facing children in rural areas, such as poverty, hunger, a lack of educational resources, and restricted opportunities. Subsequently, she took on the role of principal at Queen Kamsweli Primary School, which is located near the eNyokeni Royal Residence.
Her dedication to children also led her to become the guardian of two orphaned students, extending her care beyond the classroom.
“Throughout my life, I have learnt that leadership is ultimately about service,” Queen Nompumelelo stated prior to 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 emphasized that Heritage Month should remind South Africans that heritage must not only be inherited but also safeguarded, enhanced, and transmitted.
“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 remarked.
Queen Nompumelelo, of Xhosa descent, was born in the former Transkei and spent her early years in Zululand, where her father held a position in the KwaZulu Department of Education.
She wed King Goodwill Zwelithini on 25 July 1992, thus becoming part of the Zulu Royal House. The couple welcomed three children: Princess Nqobangothando Zulu, Prince Nhlangano Zulu, and Princess Cebo Zulu.
Zamani Ndimande, the founder of Afri-Masterclass, described her participation as a remarkable privilege.
“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 noted.
“Her commitment to education and young people speaks directly to the kind of intergenerational leadership we want to celebrate at Afri-Masterclass.”
Founded in 2018, Afri-Masterclass aims to provide platforms for African entrepreneurs, creatives, founders, and culture builders to connect, share knowledge, and foster ideas that yield enduring economic and social value.
The organizers believe that Queen Nompumelelo’s participation will enhance discussions regarding the connections between traditional leadership, education, the advancement of women, cultural preservation, and youth development.
“We want women to leave this gathering not only inspired but also 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 is set to be held at Sanlam, 11 Alice Lane, Sandhurst, Sandton, on Saturday, 5 September 2026.
