| Let integrity lead.
| Let integrity lead.
Mbali Ntuli is a South African social entrepreneur and civic leader dedicated to strengthening democracy through citizen participation and accountability. She is the Founder and CEO of Ground Work Collective (GWC), which advances civic education, voter engagement and community development across South Africa.
Under her leadership, GWC has registered tens of thousands of young voters through its #X_Change campaign, partnered with the Independent Electoral Commission and other civic organisations, and in the 2024 national elections mobilised over 3,000 independent civilian observers, with an Election Integrity Project set to expand to more than 5,000 community observers. The organisation also leads initiatives on food security, water access and social entrepreneurship, empowering communities to become active, informed participants in South Africa’s democratic life.
With more than 15 years’ experience in public service and leadership, Mbali brings a deep understanding of governance, policy and community empowerment. She began her public career as a ward councillor, served for ten years in the KwaZulu‑Natal Provincial Legislature and as National Youth Leader of South Africa’s official opposition, and became the youngest candidate to contest the party’s national leadership.
A graduate of Rhodes University, Mbali is a Mandela Washington Fellow, IVLP Fellow and the 2019 World Young Politician of the Year and has been named among the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans. Balancing her roles as a mother and civic actor, she remains committed to building a South Africa where every citizen recognises their power to shape communities that work and know their voices matter.
Thanks to our valued partners and to all the Fellows who continue to contribute in many ways.
