Online Reporter
Bruce Ndlovu Online Reporter
South Africa-based Zimbabwean psychologist, narrative therapist, and psychosocial specialist Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo has expressed her hope that a string of recent accolades will help her further promote Afrocentric, community-driven mental health approaches around the world.
Ncube-Mlilo, who boasts over 18 years of international experience, was recently honoured with two gold awards at the Women Changing the World Awards in London, where she also emerged as runner-up for the prestigious Golden Heart Award, presented by the Duchess of York.
“I received first place for Women in Therapy and Counselling Services, and also for Women in Social Enterprises and Non-Profits,” she said in an interview. “To also be named runner-up for the Golden Heart Award was extraordinary. It’s a tremendous confidence booster, and it gives me a platform to show that Africa is not just a recipient of solutions from the West—we can create our own and be recognised globally.”
A graduate of the University of Zimbabwe with a Master’s degree in Narrative Therapy & Community Work from the University of Melbourne, Ncube-Mlilo is the founder of PHOLA, a non-profit organisation that offers culturally sensitive mental health services to individuals and communities affected by trauma, violence, and abuse.
Her work has spanned a broad range of social issues, including HIV/AIDS, poverty, conflict, and trauma, especially among vulnerable groups like children, women, and families. The Women Changing the World Awards celebrate the impact of women across sectors including leadership, health, sustainability, business, innovation, and education.
Ncube-Mlilo’s wins saw her triumph over candidates from 55 countries—a feat she says is not just personal, but symbolic of the growing recognition of African mental health solutions.
“It was especially meaningful because mental health is still often viewed as a Western concern,” she said. “To be recognised at that level, representing Africa, is a milestone not just for me but for all mental health champions on the continent.”
Looking ahead, she said the awards have emboldened her to expand her reach.
“My vision has always been to amplify this work. I’m now looking to extend it to two or three more countries. These awards give me more confidence to engage global stakeholders with solutions that are rooted in African contexts.”
In a groundbreaking development, Ncube-Mlilo also revealed that she has been granted the exclusive licence to bring the Women Changing the World Awards to Africa for the first time.
“In August, we will launch the African edition. I’m the first African to be awarded this license, and I want to use it to spotlight other women doing similar transformative work across the continent. We need to invest in and celebrate Afrocentric, culturally responsive approaches so that we stop relying solely on Western mental health models,” she said.
