Dr. Phumzile
Mlambo-Ngcuka

GLOBAL STATESWOMAN. ADVOCATE. CHANCELLOR.

Former Deputy President of South Africa & United Nations Under-Secretary-General.

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Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Portrait
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka · GLOBAL STATESWOMAN. ADVOCATE. CHANCELLOR.

Biography

ProfessionalBiography

“Equity is not a favor; it is a fundamental human right and a structural economic necessity.”

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, A Leading African Speakers Bureau, and bring world class leadership insight, authenticity, and influence to your next event.

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Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka in Action clip

Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka in Action

Media Coverage

MediaCoverage

Gender equality is a human imperative — and that means reframing masculinity

Gender equality is a human imperative — and that means reframing masculinity

Daily Maverick · 02 Feb 2022

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South African education system needs significant reform to address low literacy rates

South African education system needs significant reform to address low literacy rates

Daily Maverick · 01 Feb 2022

Read News
This Women's month, enough with all the platitudes

This Women's month, enough with all the platitudes

Daily Maverick · 10 Aug 2021

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