In loving memory of Nothabo Sibanda
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation mourns the sudden passing of Nothabo Sibanda, a selected member of the Class of 2026. A passionate social justice advocate, she championed gender equality, grassroots participation, and community‑led governance across Southern Africa. Our sincere condolences have been passed on to the Sibanda family.
Nothabo Sibanda is a social justice advocate committed to tackling systemic inequalities and amplifying the voices of underserved communities across Africa. She works to strengthen grassroots engagement in policymaking to advance inclusive and effective governance.
She leads the campaign “She Is a Child, Not a Mother”, which combats teen pregnancies and child marriages through advocacy, education, and community mobilization. Her leadership earned her selection as a 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow, joining a network of young African changemakers. She also serves within the SADC Gender Alliance, championing women’s rights at local and regional levels.
Nothabo is a Women of the South Speak Out Fellow, where she has represented community interests in global and regional forums including the Commission on the Status of Women and SADC Summits.
She currently works as a regional capacity enhancement mentor with Hlanganisa Community Fund, supporting grassroots organizations across Southern Africa to build the skills needed to influence policy with authenticity. Nothabo remains dedicated to advancing a more just and inclusive society.