Her Majesty Queen Nompumelelo Mchiza is set to bring a powerful message of education, service, motherhood, leadership and African heritage to the Afri-Masterclass Women’s Month Edition in Sandton this weekend.
The Queen, a member of the Zulu Royal House and fifth wife and widow of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, will attend the event as guest of honour and special guest speaker on Saturday, 5 September 2026.
The gathering comes as South Africa closes Women’s Month and prepares to enter Heritage Month, creating a fitting platform for a conversation around the role of women in preserving culture, building communities and shaping the future.
A queen whose life extends beyond royalty
Queen Nompumelelo’s public contribution has extended well beyond her position within the Zulu Royal House.
She has spent much of her life connected to education and community development, particularly in rural KwaZulu-Natal, where she has witnessed first-hand the challenges facing children and families with limited access to resources and opportunities.
Born in the former Transkei and of Xhosa heritage, she spent much of her formative years in Zululand after her father’s work in the KwaZulu Department of Education brought the family to the region.
She later became an educator in 1997, dedicating herself to teaching children in rural communities. By 2005, she was teaching Grade 5 and Grade 6 learners at Kamsweli Primary School in Nongoma.
Her work brought her into close contact with issues including poverty, hunger, inadequate school resources and limited opportunities for rural learners.
During her time at the school, she also became guardian to two orphaned learners, further reflecting the personal approach she has taken to her role as an educator and mother.
Her educational journey eventually saw her become principal of Queen Kamsweli Primary School, situated close to the Enyokeni Royal Residence.
From the classroom to the Royal House
Queen Nompumelelo married the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu on 25 July 1992 and became part of the Zulu Royal House, associated with the eNyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma.
King Goodwill Zwelithini reigned as King of the Zulu Nation from 1968 until his death in 2021.
The Queen and the late King had three children – Princess Nqobangothando Zulu, Prince Nhlangano Zulu and Princess Cebo Zulu.
Her life has therefore brought together several roles – mother, educator, community advocate and member of one of South Africa’s most significant traditional institutions.
It is this intersection of royalty and grassroots service that organisers believe makes her participation at Afri-Masterclass particularly significant.
Women, heritage and the responsibility of legacy
The masterclass will bring together women leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, executives, founders and changemakers for conversations around leadership, enterprise, mentorship, knowledge-sharing and meaningful connections.
For Afri-Masterclass founder Zamani Ndimande, the Queen’s participation adds an important intergenerational dimension to the event.
“Having Her Royal Highness Queen Nompumelelo Mchiza with us is an extraordinary honour. Her story reminds us that leadership can take many forms. It can be found in a royal household, but it can also be found in boardrooms, in a classroom, in the raising of children and in the service of communities. Her commitment to education and young people speaks directly to the kind of intergenerational leadership we want to celebrate at Afri-Masterclass,” says Ndimande.
The Afri-Masterclass initiative has, since 2018, created spaces for African creatives, entrepreneurs, founders and culture builders to connect, exchange ideas and explore opportunities that can translate into lasting economic and social value.
The Women’s Month Edition continues that mission by bringing women from different sectors and generations together.
Queen Nompumelelo says her own experiences have taught her that leadership is ultimately rooted in service.
“Throughout my life, I have learnt that leadership is ultimately about service. Whether one is a mother, a teacher, a community leader or a member of a royal household, we all have a responsibility to leave something meaningful for those who come after us,” Her Royal Highness Queen Nompumelelo Mchiza says ahead of the event.
“As we close Women’s Month and enter Heritage Month, we must remember that our heritage is not only something we inherit. It is something we have a responsibility to protect, strengthen and pass on. Our children must know where they come from while being equipped with the knowledge and confidence to determine where they are going. I look forward to sharing my journey and experiences at the Afri-MasterClass.”
A conversation across generations
The organisers say the masterclass is designed to be more than a conventional conference, positioning it as a space for connection, mentorship and the exchange of lived experiences.
The Queen’s presence is expected to add conversations around traditional leadership, motherhood, education, culture and the responsibility of creating opportunities for young people.
For corporate South Africa, the event also provides an opportunity to engage with women contributing to innovation, entrepreneurship, culture and economic transformation.
For the creative and business communities, it offers a platform to exchange ideas, develop relationships and explore new opportunities.
Ndimande says the ultimate goal is for women to leave the gathering with more than inspiration.
“We want women to leave this room not only inspired, but connected. Connected to opportunities, connected to one another, connected to their heritage and connected to the responsibility of shaping what comes next. Queen Nompumelelo embodies many of these values through her journey as an educator, mother, royal and community-minded leader,” Afri-MasterClass founder Zamani Ndimande added.
The Afri-MasterClass will take place on Saturday, 5 September 2026.
Tickets are available through the Afri-MasterClass website.
