Makaziwe Mandela

Dr. Makaziwe Mandela was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, growing up in Soweto, Johannesburg and is the eldest daughter of Evelyn Mase and Nelson Mandela. After matriculating from high school in Swaziland, she pursued her BA degree in Social Work at Fort Hare University in the Eastern Cape, followed by her Honours Degree in Sociology at the University of Natal in Durban.

In 1984, she received a Fulbright Foreign Scholarship and a Fulbright Distinguished Fellowship Award to study at the University of Massachusetts in the US, earning a Masters in Sociology and a Doctorate in Anthropology. Her academic journey laid the groundwork for her deep commitment to social justice and empowerment of marginalized communities.

Dr. Mandela has held senior roles across various sectors, reflecting a broad and impactful career. She has worked in several countries, holding directorships in major companies including Nestlé SA, and has been a key figure in Nozala, a women’s investment group focused on economic upliftment and empowerment in South Africa. Her professional experience extends to important board positions at Enviroserv, Myriad Medical, and Rand Water Services. Currently, she serves as a director at Nozala and on the board of Nestle SA. Furthermore, she is the Director of the House of Mandela Family Foundation, which she spearheads to advance initiatives on HIV and AIDS, education, health, agriculture, women's empowerment, and alternate energy sectors.

Dr. Mandela’s expertise and dedication are also evident in her role as a consultant in training development and life skills at Self Empowerment International, and she continues to be a vital voice in global advocacy for social issues. Her speeches often cover crucial topics such as diversity, female empowerment, servant leadership, and the importance of collaboration over competition, alongside specific issues like food poverty and agriculture. Her leadership and commitment to improving socio-economic conditions for marginalized communities have earned her international recognition and numerous awards.