Startup Story

Nonceba Ndukula is the founder of Nabai Foundation in South Africa, a social impact organization with a vision to break the cycle of poverty and empower underserved communities through education. The foundation's Afternoon Enrichment Program, mentorship initiatives, and community projects reflect Nonceba’ s dedication to making a positive impact. She is a GBV-F Survivor, Coach, Business Administrator, Philanthropist and Mentor and an inspiring individual whose life journey has transformed adversity into a beacon of hope. As the founder of Nabai Foundation, Nonceba is a passionate advocate for education, community empowerment, and survivor support. Her personal experiences have fuelled her commitment to addressing the root causes of GBV-F and providing support to survivors. She is a Nominee of Sociopreneur of the Year 2023, Finalist in Women of Stature Awards, and a Nominee of Leading Women of Africa Awards.

LoA spoke to the impact-driven Nonceba Ndukula about her vision, mission and drive to positively break the cycle of poverty and gender based violence in society.

What does your company do?

In 2019, I established Nabai Foundation with a vision to break the cycle of poverty and empower underserved communities through education. The foundation's Afternoon Enrichment Program, mentorship initiatives, and community projects reflect my dedication to making a positive impact. Beyond my role as a survivor and founder, I fulfill my role as a dedicated coach and mentor. My coaching extends beyond the boundaries of personal development, reaching individuals in need of guidance and support. Through mentorship, I share my wisdom and experiences to inspire positive transformation in the lives of others.

I am an active advocate for gender equality, using my story to raise awareness about the challenges faced by survivors of GBV-F. Through public speaking engagements and awareness campaigns, I strive to dismantle stereotypes and promote a more inclusive and equal society. My legacy is one of empowerment, resilience, and advocacy. My multifaceted role as a survivor, founder, coach, and mentor showcases the transformative power of one individual's commitment to positive change. Through Nabai Foundation, my aim is to continue to uplift communities and pave the way for a brighter future.

My personal journey embodies the spirit of resilience, turning personal challenges into a force for good. As a survivor, coach, mentor, and founder, I stand as a testament to the potential for positive transformation, leaving an indelible mark on the lives I am able to touch through Nabai Foundation.

What inspired you to start your company?

I was motivated to start Nabai Foundation by a deep-seated commitment to address the challenges faced by underserved communities, particularly in the aftermath of my personal experiences as a survivor of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide abuse (GBV-F). My own journey of resilience inspired a vision for positive change, driving me to establish the foundation. I recognized the transformative power of education and community support in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering individuals. My motivation stemmed from a desire to provide tangible solutions, create opportunities for growth, and advocate for the well-being of those affected by GBV-F. Through Nabai Foundation, I channel my passion into impactful initiatives that uplift and empower communities, embodying the belief that everyone deserves the chance to overcome adversity and thrive.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

Our mission is to provide quality education, mentorship, and community support to individuals, particularly focusing on underserved communities. We believe in the transformative power of education. We provide academic support, mentorship, and computer education to students in the after-school hours. We foster a holistic learning environment, emphasizing not only academic excellence but also personal development.

Tell us a little about your team:

At the heart of Nabai Foundation's impactful initiatives is a dedicated and passionate team, led by myself as founder. The team embodies a collective commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty, empowering communities, and supporting survivors of Gender-Based Violence and Financial abuse (GBV-F). Nabai Foundation, and mhy own personal journey as a survivor, fuels the organization's mission. My resilience, advocacy for gender equality, and dedication to positive change aims to inspire the entire team.

Program Coordinators and Mentors:
Nabai Foundation is supported by experienced program coordinators who oversee the implementation of initiatives like the Afternoon Enrichment Program. Mentors within the organization play a crucial role in providing guidance and support to students, emphasizing personal development alongside academic success.

Community Engagement Specialists:
Dedicated community engagement specialists work on collaborative projects with local partners, addressing community needs and contributing to positive change. Their work extends the foundation's impact beyond the classroom.

Administrative and Support Staff:
Behind the scenes, a team of administrative and support staff ensures the smooth operation of Nabai Foundation. Their efforts contribute to the efficient management of resources, logistics, and communication.

Nabai Foundation is fortunate to have a network of volunteers who generously contribute their time and skills. Their collective efforts amplify the foundation's reach and impact, creating a sense of shared responsibility within the community.

Collective Vision:
The Nabai Foundation team operates with a shared vision of empowerment, equality, and community upliftment. Their diverse skills and backgrounds converge to create a dynamic force for positive change, working collaboratively to realize the organization's mission.

In essence, the Nabai Foundation team stands as champions of empowerment, united by a common goal to transform lives, uplift communities, and break down barriers to create a brighter future for all.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

My entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to creating positive change. Before the inception of Nabai Foundation, I embarked on my entrepreneurial path with a small business called Ncesby Graphics, where the focus was on graphic design. As the founder of Ncesby Graphics, I showcased my creativity and skill in the realm of graphic design. The business aimed to provide visual solutions for clients, reflecting my entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the arts.

In 2018, I faced a significant life-altering event when I experienced a partial stroke. This unexpected health challenge became a turning point, leading me to reevaluate my life's purpose and priorities. The experience served as a catalyst for a profound shift in focus, guiding me toward a new mission rooted in compassion and community impact.

Birth of Nabai Foundation:
Motivated by my personal journey of overcoming adversity, I founded Nabai Foundation. This non-profit organization emerged as a response to the challenges I personally faced, particularly as a survivor of Gender-Based Violence (GBV-F). Nabai Foundation became a vehicle for creating a positive impact, centered around education, mentorship, and survivor support.

Combining Entrepreneurship with Social Impact:
I seamlessly integrated my entrepreneurial spirit into the non-profit sector, leveraging my business acumen to drive the foundation's programs forward. Nabai Foundation's success is not only a testament to resilience but also a reflection of the ability to adapt and channel skills toward a greater purpose.

Legacy of Transformation:
My journey from entrepreneurship with Ncesby Graphics to founding Nabai Foundation showcases the transformative power of personal experiences. My commitment to community empowerment and survivor support has left an indelible mark, turning challenges into opportunities for positive change.

My story hopefully serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the profound impact that resilience, adaptability, and a sense of purpose can have on both personal and professional trajectories.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

Program Expansion: Extend the reach of the Afternoon Enrichment Program to serve a larger number of students in underserved communities. Introduce specialized tracks within the program to cater to diverse educational needs, including STEM education, arts, and vocational skills.

Enhanced Mentorship Initiatives: Strengthen and diversify mentorship programs to provide comprehensive support for personal development, career guidance, and life skills. Forge new partnerships with professionals and organizations to broaden the spectrum of mentorship opportunities for Nabai Foundation participants.

Intensify community engagement initiatives by collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders to address broader community needs.

Implement health awareness campaigns, workshops, and projects aimed at improving the overall well-being of community members.

Expand computer education programs to include advanced technology skills, coding, and digital literacy to prepare students for the evolving demands of the modern world.

Introduce e-learning platforms and resources to enhance educational accessibility and adaptability.

Invest in training and development programs for teachers, mentors, and volunteers to ensure the highest quality of education and support. Explore partnerships with educational institutions and professionals to enhance the skill set of Nabai Foundation's team.

Sustainable Funding Strategies: Develop diversified and sustainable funding strategies, including partnerships with corporate entities, grant applications, and community fundraising events. Establish an endowment fund to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Nabai Foundation.

Conduct research and impact assessments to measure the effectiveness of Nabai Foundation's programs and identify areas for improvement.

Utilize data-driven insights to refine existing initiatives and develop new strategies aligned with community needs.

Explore opportunities for collaboration with international organizations and foundations to exchange best practices, ideas, and resources.

Participate in global initiatives addressing education, gender equality, and community development.

Advocate for policy changes and reforms that support education, gender equality, and survivor rights.

Engage in national and regional forums to amplify the voices of the community and contribute to policy discussions.

Holistic Support for Survivors:

Expand support services for survivors of Gender-Based Violence and Financial abuse, including counseling, legal aid, and economic empowerment programs.

Collaborate with existing organizations and professionals in the field to provide a comprehensive network of support.

Nabai Foundation envisions a future where its multifaceted programs create a lasting impact on individuals and communities, fostering a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and positive transformation.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

Giving and bringing hope to other women. Seeing someone smiling because you brought hope into her life is priceless.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Embrace Resilience:
"Life is filled with unexpected challenges, and our ability to bounce back defines our strength. Embrace resilience as a guiding force, knowing that setbacks are not the end but opportunities for growth and transformation.

Find Your Purpose:
"Discovering your purpose can be a profound catalyst for positive change. Reflect on your experiences, passions, and the impact you want to create. Let your purpose drive your actions, empowering you to overcome obstacles with determination."

Turn Adversity into Strength:
"Adversity has the power to shape us, but it doesn't define us. Turn your challenges into sources of strength. Use your experiences to connect with others, advocate for change, and inspire those who may be facing similar struggles."

Build a Support Network:
"Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors. Having a strong support system can provide encouragement during difficult times and offer different perspectives that can broaden your outlook."

Embrace Entrepreneurial Spirit:
"An entrepreneurial spirit is not confined to business ventures. Apply it to your life. Be proactive, seek opportunities, and turn your passions into meaningful projects. Use your skills to make a positive impact on the world around you."

Prioritize Self-Care:
"Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Prioritize your well-being, both mentally and physically. Take moments for yourself, engage in activities that bring joy, and recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance."

Advocate for Yourself and Others:
"Be your own advocate and champion. Stand up for what you believe in, and don't be afraid to speak your truth. Advocate not just for yourself but for the collective empowerment of women, creating a space where everyone's voice is heard."

Continuous Learning and Growth:
"Embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Life is a journey of growth, and every experience, whether positive or challenging, offers an opportunity to learn. Stay curious, be open to new ideas, and invest in your personal and professional development."

Celebrate Achievements, Big and Small:
"Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledge your victories and use them as reminders of your strength and capability. Celebrating milestones fuels your journey toward larger accomplishments."

Pay It Forward:
"As you climb your own ladder of success, extend a helping hand to others. Mentorship and support are invaluable gifts. Pay it forward by empowering fellow women, fostering a culture of collaboration and collective success."

My advice is grounded in my personal journey of overcoming challenges, turning adversity into strength, and dedicating myself to empowering others. My words resonate with a message of resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of a determined spirit.

Find out more:

Email: Nabai.foundation@yahoo.com

Website: https://nabaifoundation.wixsite.com/nabaifoundation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nonceba.ndukula?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Why LoA loves it….

At Lionesses of Africa, we love those women entrepreneurs who are driven to make the world and our communities better places for those who live in them, helping them to thrive and not just survive. Nonceba Ndukula, founder of Nabai Foundation, is one such social impact entrepreneur, making a real difference by helping to break the cycle of poverty and gender-based violence through education and support. Her work is inspirational and impactful as she positively changes lives every day. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa