Making way for a community of changemakers: Meet the Founder of Nonkosi Creatives

The organisation’s name, ‘Nonkosi’, is derived from Pamela’s clan name, which refers to people of a royal lineage. The choice of such a name points to Pamela’s mission, which is bringing everyone onto a level playing field, and providing opportunities to thrive in spaces that have lacked diversity. One could say she’s helping to form a new lineage in the professional world, one where everybody is royalty.

“I choose to see it as representing seriousness, thought, intuition, intent and wisdom,” says Pamela, explaining how she’s interpreted the name for business.

During her career in HR, she developed empathy towards people who may have to go through the same challenges she went through to get to where she is now.

She learnt the importance of “assertive but effective communication”, diversity and inclusion,  a work-life balance and empathy in mental health matters. 

“Through a combination of hard work, patience, resilience, mentorship and sacrifice – and as a woman from a rural, previously disadvantaged background — I found myself in predominantly male-dominated spaces, where one had to work harder and show more resilience just to be seen and heard, even respected, which gave me a bit of a thick skin over the years.”

Pamela has identified her purpose and taken that knowledge and tenacity to start her own venture, which was the result of self-care and a desire to see others flourish. She recently took the decision to step away from the corporate world to nurture her mental health. Through her journey of healing, she spent time with people who inspired her, and she was faced with questions of what her contribution to society will be; how she will pay it forward, after being guided in her career by “selfless mentors and coaches”.

“This organisation was born out of the need to do meaningful work that is aligned to my purpose of promoting diversity in our society, and promoting the economic inclusion of rural communities, and also being a mother to girls – to inspire them, and others, to know and see that their dreams are valid; that they do not have to be scared of what the future holds for them as young adults.”

Her vision is to develop a network of like-minded people and organisations who are promoting diversity and empowering young entrepreneurs and professionals to use their creative potential and “in the long-run form an empowered community of changemakers.”

Kicking off with a hybrid event, hosted by Mpho ‘Popps’ Modikoane, Nonkosi Creatives has already started work on that community of changemakers, with a stellar lineup of speakers who will be sharing their insights and tips.

Keynote speaker Dr Frank Magwegwe — or ‘Dr Mags’, as his friends and colleagues call him — hopes that the audience will leave with an understanding of the power of resilience. “Don’t just live,” says Dr Magwegwe, “thrive!”

Lindile Xoko, the Group Chief Revenue Officer of Primedia Group and author of The Young Entrepreneur’s Playbook, will also be giving a keynote address. “Just start,” he says, pointing to the bit of advice he’d give to inspiring entrepreneurs. This emphasis on taking a leap and starting something new is what led Pamela to this point, and gave life to Nonkosi Creatives. 

Mpho 'Popps' Modikoane will be interviewing Global Business Solutions’ Joint CEO, Thembi Chadonga, who says, “There is a lot more awareness that diversity and inclusion are value additions to a business success story. Employment and promotions of people from diverse groups is good for businesses.”

Panellist Gill Jones, the COO of DataNoble, highlights the importance of partnering with organisations that promote diversity and inclusion as a way to diversify supply chains.

“This includes minority-owned, women-owned and LGBTQI+ owned businesses,” she says. She will be joined on stage by Malisha Awunor, the Group Head: People and Culture at EOH, who says they believe that “an inclusive world is an enabled one.” 

“The focus on an inclusive culture requires a degree of psychological safety that allows for courageous conversations,” says Malisha. 

There’s work to be done, and this has become even clearer as more organisations begin to discover the importance of sustainability. It’s important for us not to forget the ‘S’ in ESG. “Education and awareness are needed about the importance of social issues and their impact on communities, companies and the economy,” says panellist Modise Makhene, the Country Manager for South Africa at Pedersen & Partners.

“The ability to successfully operate within a global and multicultural environment is one of the fundamental skills we need to develop early,” says Cebile Xulu, an award-winning HR professional who knows all about helping people thrive.

The theme for the launch is “Rising Beyond: Navigating Legacy, Diversity and Entrepreneurship” which encapsulates Pamela’s vision, and the insights these speakers will bring. This in the context of where young people find themselves, as Pamela explains, “grappling with the legacy of our history as a country.”

Nonkosi Creatives seeks to show that “entrepreneurship is a viable solution in the long run; for our young people to become self-sufficient and create employment opportunities for others.”

“For this idea to hold meaning,” continues Pamela, “it became important that we partnered with credible, experienced and respected voices from different industries to share how they overcame some of these challenges in their journeys and, in line with our vision, this will assist to form an empowered community of changemakers in our country.”

“Let us continue to be inspired to inspire the change we want to see in our workspaces, communities and society.” 

For more information on the event, and a chance to win tickets, visit events.nonkosicreatives.com