Nomqhele Samantha Siziba,first runner-up for the Social Impact Award, is a dynamic Development Practitioner making significant strides in Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe. As the Founder and Executive Director of Youth Invest, an award-winning organization focused on the empowerment of youth and women, Nomqhele has transformed the landscape of civic participation and advocacy, impacting over 3,000 individuals in her community.
Nomqhele’s recognition at the List Awards highlights her innovative approach to addressing systemic inequalities that have historically marginalized youth and women. Her commitment to equity, accountability, and leadership fuels her mission to democratize Zimbabwe’s socio-economic and political systems, ensuring that young people and women are at the forefront of development initiatives.
A cornerstone of her recent work is the establishment of the **Integrity Hub in Victoria Falls, where youth are trained in social accountability and resource management. This initiative has empowered 50 members of the Youth for Integrity Hub, providing them with essential skills for careers in the lucrative Hunting Conservancies sector. By equipping youth with roles such as scouts and resource monitors, Nomqhele has fostered a sense of ownership, enabling them to advocate effectively for their rights to access and control local resources like the Zambezi River and Matetsi Hunting Conservancies.
Nomqhele’s impactful contributions were key to her recognition at the List Awards, where her innovative initiatives and dedication to uplifting marginalized communities were celebrated. She has trained 1,800 youth and women in civic participation and social accountability, facilitating their engagement with local governance. The establishment of sixteen I-Participate clubs has created vital platforms for these marginalized groups to interface with elected leaders, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes. This proactive approach has led to the replication of the Integrity Hub model, resulting in ten Youth for Integrity Hubs across the district, which serve as safe spaces for advocacy and mobilization.
Additionally, Nomqhele is a strong advocate for gender equality. She established seven Women Action Groupsto combat gender-based violence and amplify women’s voices in the post-COVID-19 context. These groups have become essential agents for change, actively addressing local issues and promoting gender-sensitive policies.
Her recognition as the first runner-up for the Social Impact Award at the List Awards underscores Nomqhele Samantha Siziba’s exceptional contributions to empowering youth and women in Zimbabwe. Through her innovative approaches and unwavering commitment to social accountability, she is not only fostering community participation but also paving the way for a more equitable future. Nomqhele’s work exemplifies the transformative power of civic engagement, proving that meaningful change is possible when marginalized voices are empowered to participate fully in society.