Gcina Twala

What does your company do?

Ntsika Ye Sizwesethu, which means “Pillar of Our Nation”, is a youth-led nonprofit organisation I co-founded to address the urgent needs of underserved communities in South Africa, starting in Alexandra township. As a social entrepreneur, my vision was to build more than a charity—I wanted to create a sustainable platform for empowerment, dignity, and lasting change. Our work focuses on food security, youth and women empowerment, education, and economic As a proud daughter of Alexandra, I’ve turned generational community service into modern-day social impact. Ntsika Ye Sizwesethu isn’t just an organisation; it’s a movement for sustainable transformation, led by women and driven by love.

What is your biggest success?

My greatest achievement has been transforming a community legacy into a modern social enterprise that brings dignity, opportunity, and hope to thousands. Co-founding Ntsika Ye Sizwesethu and watching it grow from a small initiative in Alexandra to an organisation that is the pillar for most has been incredibly fulfilling. We've fed over 5000 people, helped local SMMEs secure mobile food trailers, built a hydroponic greenhouse, and created unforgettable moments—like helicopter rides for children who had never left the township. Being recognised as a YES Top 35 Under 35 and securing partnerships with Coca-Cola, Afrika Tikkun, and the IDC confirmed that grassroots efforts can scale and be sustainable. But most importantly, seeing the pride and purpose return to people’s lives—that’s the true achievement.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced in leading Ntsika Ye Sizwesethu has been securing consistent funding to sustain our initiatives. As a youth-led organisation in a resource-constrained environment, navigating financial challenges while delivering on our mission has often been daunting. Despite this, our commitment to creating meaningful impact in the community has kept us resilient. We've learned to creatively leverage partnerships, like those with Coca-Cola and Afrika Tikkun, and mobilise resources through local networks and community support. The challenge remains, but it has also deepened our resourcefulness and strengthened our relationships with those who believe in our mission. Overcoming this hurdle has taught me the value of persistence, innovation, and the power of collaboration.