Biography

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 went on to study for her BA degree in Social Work at Fort Hare University in the Eastern Cape, and then 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 for a Masters in Sociology and a Doctorate in Anthropology.

She has had a full and varied career that has involved working in several other countries, and holds directorships with Nestlé SA among others. She has presented numerous papers over the years, including the role of women in a changing South Africa. She has been intricately involved in developing a substantial investment portfolio within Nozala, a women’s investment group, and using these funds in the economic upliftment and empowerment of women in South Africa.

She has worked for a number of academic institutions in South Africa and abroad. She spent a number of years working for the Development Bank of Southern Africa as Executive Manager Corporate Services. Prior to that, she worked for Spoornet as General Manager Human Resources.

Dr. Mandela previously sat on the Boards of Rand Water Services, Myriad Medical, Envirosev and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. She is also a consultant in training development and life skills at Self Empowerment International. Dr. Mandela is currently the Chairperson of House of Mandela, a business that she started with her daughter Tukwini Mandela in 2010.

She is also a director of the House of Mandela Family Foundation that was set up in 2017. The ambition of the Foundation is to improve the livelihoods of poor communities and globally advocate for social issues that affect African communities including; HIV and AIDS, education, health, agriculture, women empowerment and promoting alternate energy sectors.

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Female Empowerment

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Creativity & The Potential of Africa

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Service Leadership

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Collaboration v Competition

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Social Justice & Conflict Resolution

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Testimonials

Powerful. Passionate. Thoughtful. Real.
– Conference Attendee
There's real fire and a call to action in the way that she talks.
– Conference Attendee
Powerful examples of leadership, Dr. Mandela. Thank you.
– Conference Attendee
Inspiring and also very actionable steps for all of us!
– Conference Attendee

Blog Posts

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Get inspired on how your life's karma can spark spiritual awakening with Rashmi Airan's insights on growth, authenticity, and embracing life's lessons.

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Mastering Your Financial and Leadership Skills with Jill Schlesinger

Master financial and leadership skills with Jill Schlesinger's expert advice on business, DE&I, and personal finance strategies.

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Learn More About The New Rules of Marketing and PR

Learn more about the new rules of marketing and PR with David Meerman Scott, a thought leader in business growth and innovative strategies.

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Embrace Radical Generosity This Giving Tuesday

On Giving Tuesday, we’re embracing the power of radical generosity to transform communities and spark waves of kindness.

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Celebrating Thanksgiving: Grateful Hearts, Bold Milestones

This Thanksgiving, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the journey—an adventure full of creativity, teamwork, and connection.

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“Find a Way” Philosophy to Overcome Life’s Challenges

Motivational keynote speaker Merril Hoge shares his "Find a Way" philosophy to overcome life's challenges with accountability, resilience, and personal growth.

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Blog Posts

 

How Your Life’s Karma Can Lead to Spiritual Awakening

What if life’s most challenging moments were not obstacles but invitations to grow, learn, and...

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Mastering Your Financial and Leadership Skills with Jill Schlesinger

When it comes to navigating the complex world of financial strategies and effective leadership, few...

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Learn More About The New Rules of Marketing and PR

Marketing and PR in a Constantly Changing World Marketing and public relations (PR) have been...

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Embrace Radical Generosity This Giving Tuesday

As the season of gratitude unfolds, we're reminded of our shared humanity and the power...

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Celebrating Thanksgiving: Grateful Hearts, Bold Milestones

🦃 This Thanksgiving, we at The Keynote Curators are reflecting on what truly matters—our community,...

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“Find a Way” Philosophy to Overcome Life’s Challenges

Overcoming Challenges with Merril Hoge’s Find a Way Philosophy Challenges are a universal experience. Whether...

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