Makaziwe Mandela

"It was incredible, what a phenomenal woman! Please extend our thank you’s to Dr Makaziwe Mandela once again."

Natalie, Executive Assistant, Lexis Nexis Risk

Makaziwe Mandela – Social Justice Advocate & Chairperson of the House of Mandela

Makaziwe Mandela is an influential business leader, philanthropist and advocate for social and economic development across Africa. The daughter of Nelson Mandela, she has dedicated her career to continuing her father’s legacy of equality and empowerment through education, community development and women’s advancement. As Chairperson of the House of Mandela and Director of the House of Mandela Family Foundation, Makaziwe works to preserve her family’s heritage while addressing the challenges faced by African communities through innovative and sustainable initiatives.

Speaking Topics:

Female Empowerment
Collaboration v Competition
Social Justice & Conflict Resolution
Creativity & The Potential of Africa
Service Leadership

Credentials and Impact

Makaziwe holds a degree in Social Work from Fort Hare University and a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts, where she studied as a Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright Distinguished Fellow. Her professional journey spans leadership in both the public and private sectors, including senior positions at the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Industrial Development Group.

She has also served on several boards, such as Rand Water Services, Enviroserv and Myriad Medical, contributing her expertise in governance and corporate strategy. A champion of empowerment and social equity, Makaziwe has also supported initiatives such as the women’s investment group Nozala and worked as a consultant for Self-Empowerment International. Her strategic insight, academic background and lifelong commitment to community upliftment have made her a respected voice in business and philanthropy alike.

Publications and Media

Makaziwe has contributed to a range of educational and cultural projects linked to the House of Mandela legacy, promoting dialogue around heritage, leadership and social justice. Her work often explores themes of empowerment, identity and the importance of women’s participation in building sustainable societies. Through her ongoing involvement in thought leadership, she continues to advocate for policies and practices that drive inclusive growth across Africa.

Why Book Makaziwe?

Audiences book Makaziwe for her unique perspective on leadership, resilience and the pursuit of equality. Her keynotes draw on her experience in business, academia and philanthropy to highlight the transformative power of education, cultural preservation and female empowerment.

Speaking with warmth and authority, she inspires audiences to take collective responsibility for social change while honouring the values of compassion and integrity. Her talks resonate with global audiences, offering both personal insight and practical lessons in leadership, diversity and social progress.

To book Makaziwe to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.