Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka‘s lifelong dedication to human rights and equality has positioned her as a global icon in the fight for women’s empowerment and social justice. From her historic role as South Africa’s first female Deputy President to her transformative leadership at UN Women, Mlambo-Ngcuka’s impact on gender equality and human rights continues to inspire millions around the world.
Born in 1955 in Clermont, KwaZulu-Natal, Mlambo-Ngcuka began her journey into activism as a young woman, first pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Arts and Education from the National University of Lesotho and later advancing her expertise with a Gender Policy certification from University College London. She also has a master’s in Philosophy from the University of Cape Town and a doctorate in Technology and Education from Warwick University.
Her early career began in education as a teacher and lecturer, but her path soon expanded internationally when she joined the World YWCA in Geneva, where she launched a global program for young women’s leadership. Back in South Africa, she founded the ecumenical organization TEAM, dedicated to empowering women through education and skills training. Later, through her consulting agency, Phumelela Services, Mlambo-Ngcuka worked on race and gender issues, laying a foundation for her lifelong mission of advocacy.
Mlambo-Ngcuka’s political career skyrocketed when she was elected to South Africa’s first democratic Parliament in 1994, a milestone in her fight against apartheid. She then served as Deputy Minister in the Department of Trade and Industry, Minister of Minerals and Energy, and ultimately became South Africa’s Deputy President from 2005 to 2008—the highest political office ever held by a woman in the country. Her tenure was marked by groundbreaking programs like the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGISA), aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment among young graduates.
In 2013, Mlambo-Ngcuka’s mission gained global reach when she was appointed Executive Director of UN Women. Over her eight-year tenure, she secured an unprecedented $40 billion in commitments from governments, businesses, and civil society for the Generational Equality campaign, driving historic advancements in women’s rights worldwide.
Her work extends beyond her UN tenure; she founded the Umlambo Foundation, which focuses on education and leadership for young people, and serves on several influential boards, including the African Leadership Academy and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation.
Among her numerous accolades, Mlambo-Ngcuka holds honorary doctorates from prestigious universities, including the University of Johannesburg and Rhodes University, and has been recognized by Howard University for her unwavering activism and leadership.
