Khulisa Mfazi
What does your company do?
At Khulisa Mfazi, we are driven by two core values: Purpose and Impact. These are not just words to us—they are the foundation of everything we do. We strive to inspire and empower women, ages 16 to 35, to realise their full potential and take control of their futures. From a young age, I understood the struggles women face daily, and it became my mission to shed light on those challenges and offer tangible solutions.
It all began when I was just 15 years old, with a humble blog highlighting the issues that women, particularly young women, go through. I felt a deep calling to use my voice to stand up for those who were often overlooked. That blog quickly grew into something more—a powerful movement that connects women to education, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Today, Khulisa Mfazi is more than just a platform; it's a community, a safe space, and a network of women who are working together to break down barriers and shatter glass ceilings. We partner closely with organizations like iKamva Youth to meet regularly with young girls at the center, guiding them through personal development workshops where we instill values such as entrepreneurship, self-esteem, self-reliance, leadership, and resilience. We teach them not just to dream, but to build those dreams into realities.
But it doesn’t stop there. We offer entrepreneurial support that goes beyond just advice. We provide mentorship and resources to help women start and grow their own businesses. We’re there every step of the way, offering operational assistance to ensure that their businesses thrive, whether it’s through strategic planning, financial management, or marketing strategies. We understand that starting a business isn’t just about having a great idea—it's about making that idea sustainable and impactful.
We also host networking events, creating spaces for women to connect, share their experiences, and build partnerships that will last. These events serve as a springboard for collaboration, helping women find the support and inspiration they need to take their work to the next level.
At our core, we believe in community building. We are not just addressing issues; we are actively changing the narrative. We tackle gender inequality, fight for financial independence, and advocate for leadership development among women. Every day, we push the boundaries of what women can achieve, creating a ripple effect of positive social change.
Khulisa Mfazi is more than a passion—it's my life’s work. This organisation is my heart and soul, and I am fiercely committed to it. I would die for Khulisa Mfazi because I know that what we’re doing is changing lives. We are empowering women to live their purpose, make their mark on the world, and inspire future generations to do the same.
This is our mission. This is our vision. And this is why we will continue to grow, build, and make a lasting impact on the women we serve.
What is your biggest success?
One of my greatest achievements took place during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. When the world was facing unprecedented challenges, I partnered with Boston Consulting Group and the Sarah Baartman Centre for Women to host a virtual run on Women’s Day. Through the power of social media, we united people from all corners, raising over R15,000 for the Centre. This initiative not only brought people together in a time of isolation but also provided critical support for women in need.
Another milestone came in 2023, when I hosted the Women Meetup Networking Event, a face-to-face gathering that brought together women from diverse backgrounds for a day of inspiration, mentorship, and collaboration. The event was a turning point, offering tangible support and creating lasting connections that continue to empower women. Seeing the impact of both initiatives reaffirmed my belief in the strength of community and collective action.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
My biggest hurdle has undoubtedly been financing. As the founder of Khulisa Mfazi, I’ve poured my own resources into the organisation because I believe so strongly in its mission. While I’ve never let financial limitations stop me, it’s been a constant challenge to fund programs, events, and support for the women we serve. Every initiative, whether it’s educational workshops or networking events, has come out of my own pocket. Despite the financial strain, I’ve remained committed because I know the impact we're making. However, this hurdle has highlighted the importance of sustainable funding and the need to build partnerships that can help scale our efforts in a way that’s not reliant on personal savings. It’s a challenge I’m determined to overcome, so we can continue reaching and empowering more women without limits.
