Biography

Ntombifuthi Portia Mlaba is a young leader from Esikhawini, KwaZulu-Natal, whose life and service are guided by the principle of Ubuntu, Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, meaning “I am because we are.”

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies from the University of Zululand, where she developed an understanding of poverty, inequality, and the importance of people-centred, sustainable solutions. She believes development is not about charity, but about dignity, shared humanity, and working alongside communities.

Her service experience includes working as Chief Food Handler at Somopho Primary School, where she helped ensure learners received meals in a clean and safe environment. She also served as a Field Worker for Statistics South Africa during Census 2022 and as a Data Capturer and Field Worker for the Independent Electoral Commission, engaging with households and communities with respect, humility, and confidentiality.

Portia believes lasting change begins within communities when people are empowered with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to identify their challenges and develop their own solutions. Her interests include youth empowerment, education, food security, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability.

Her practical skills in vegetable and fruit gardening, recycling, catering, baking, decor, and daycare reflect her belief that local talents and resources can create sustainable livelihoods and strengthen communities.

Through CorpsAfrica, Portia hopes to put Ubuntu into practice by listening, learning, and working alongside communities. Her long-term vision is to establish a community-rooted organisation that restores dignity and equips individuals with sustainable skills to become self-reliant, resilient, and active agents of change.