Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

The Global Power Advocate, Former UN Under-Secretary-General & Executive Director: UN Women

Meet Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

At The Speakers Firm, we proudly represent Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, a globally respected Leader, Diplomat, Advocate, and Keynote Speaker, whose influence spans governance, gender equality, education, and global leadership.

A former United Nations Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Women, Dr. Mlambo-Ngcuka has dedicated her life to advancing equity, empowerment, and inclusive development. Her leadership at the UN saw the launch of groundbreaking initiatives such as HeForShe, which mobilised men and boys worldwide to champion gender equality.

In South Africa, Dr. Mlambo-Ngcuka’s public service journey has been equally remarkable. From Member of Parliament to Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Minerals and Energy, and ultimately Deputy President of South Africa (2005 to 2008), she played a pivotal role in shaping policies that reduced inequality, strengthened governance, and fostered national transformation.

A Hauser Leader at Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership and Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, Dr. Mlambo-Ngcuka continues to inspire leaders, educators, and institutions to drive social innovation and equality in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era. Through her Umlambo Foundation, she champions education reform and digital literacy for educators across Africa.

Her keynotes deliver unmatched insight into leadership, inclusion, education, and empowerment, making her the ideal choice for year-end functions, executive retreats, and strategy sessions seeking depth, inspiration, and global perspective.

Book Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka through The Speakers Firm, Africa’s #1 Strategic Speakers Bureau, and bring world class leadership insight, authenticity, and influence to your next event.

Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka: ‘I Owe Most Of My Breakthroughs To The Supportive And Tough Leadership of Both Men and Women’

In 2022, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka took home the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Lifetime Achievement Award at the 7th annual Leading Women Summit.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka: “Never forget to lift others up as you climb”

On International Women’s Day, the IOC speaks to Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, who became the first female Deputy President of South Africa and is now the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Executive Director of UN Women.