Our Story
Established in 2015 by actress and UNHCR ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha, the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation’s work is inspired by the plight of South Africa’s most vulnerable and marginalized.
Lifting the Lid of Invisibility
“I started my nonprofit with a singular vision: to lift the lid of invisibility that often surrounds marginalized youth from underserved communities. Many of these young individuals face systemic barriers, especially those from child-headed homes, who are often overlooked and left to navigate life’s challenges alone.
My goal is to provide them with opportunities that can break the cycle of poverty and create pathways to brighter futures. Our scholarship and bursary programs aim to support these youth in their educational journeys, ensuring that financial constraints don’t hold them back from achieving their dreams.
We also strive to empower Black women entrepreneurs through grants that offer financial assistance to help them grow their businesses and achieve economic independence. I am committed to leaving a lasting legacy where no one is left behind.
By supporting these communities, we foster a sense of belonging, opportunity, and hope for the generations to come. Every effort we make is a step toward a more inclusive and equitable future”
Nomzamo Mbatha
OUR KEY AREAS OF FOCUS:
education
Youth Empowerment
food security
Women's equity
Through our partnership networks within the public, private and civil sectors we have established scholarship and youth empowerment programmes, positively impacting youth and changing the course of many lives. The foundation has a growing national footprint spanning seven out of nine provinces (i.e. KZN, EC, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free-State, WC and Gauteng) and is set to expand to all nine. We continue to develop and expand our programme offering and partnership networks to reach and impact as many lives as possible.

We currently have 112
students in our bursary
program

Host 2-day Youth Connect
summit that supports youth from underprivileged and vulnerable communities with skills development and mentorship. We have impacted 10 000 young people over a course of 3 years

Supported several schools in South Africa with
school shoes, school
jerseys as well as school
stationery utilities

Partnering with global
companies Unilever,
Johnsons & Johnson,
Cotton On, Hollywoodbets
and private donors
The foundation is established based on an ever-growing demand
for support to marginalized youth, child-headed homes and
senior citizens in South Africa.
Our team

Nomzamo Mbatha
Founder & CEO

Nondumiso Mkhwanazi
Chief Operating Officer
