Lydia Hlongwane
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Project Name/Description:
Co-founder, I.C.A.R.E. Organisation and Waterkloof Home
Through her organisations, Lydia is committed to supporting vulnerable youth through education, mentorship, and psychosocial support, while she also writes books and is a social entrepreneur. A law graduate, she is also the founder and managing director of Imbali Group of Companies, a dynamic collective focused on youth development, creative industries, and community empowerment through strategic ventures and impact-driven initiatives. Her other role is that of head of administration at the Association of Independent Record Companies of South Africa, playing a key role in transforming the country’s independent music industry by creating systems for fair and transparent royalty collection and artist advocacy. Among her achievements are being selected as one of eight laureates on the Women in Africa (WIA) Young Leaders Programme, supported by international partners including Dior, Huawei, KPMG, Lazard, and TotalEnergies. As an author, she has three books under her name: Strength Beneath the Pain, Onkarabile: My Very First Day Breathing, and Not Black, Not White, Just Human. The writing reflects deep themes of healing, identity, and inclusion, especially among youth and marginalised voices. She is also a certified financial literacy facilitator, life coach, and proud Brand South Africa ambassador. Lydia continues to stand as a bold and visionary force for change in South Africa. Through her advocacy, enterprise, writing, and leadership in public and private sectors, she is inspiring a generation to lead with compassion, courage, and purpose.
