TOP 16 YOUTH-OWNED BRANDS AWARDS 2026
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TOP 16 YOBA AWARDS

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02 SEPTEMBER 2026
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Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation NPO logo
2024 Top 16 YOBA Winner

Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation

Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation is a South African non-profit organisation founded by actress and UNHCR ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha, providing socio-economic support, skills training and mentorship to vulnerable youth, child-headed homes and senior citizens.

Top NPO & Charities Youth Development South Africa

Brand Story

Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation is a South African non-profit organisation established in 2015 by actress, producer and UNHCR ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha.

The foundation was created to address the needs of South Africa’s most vulnerable and marginalised communities, focusing on youth, child-headed households and senior citizens.

Through programmes in education, skills development, mentorship and socio-economic support, the foundation works to empower young people and strengthen community resilience.

Its recognition as Top NPO & Charities Brand at the 2024 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards highlights its impact on youth development and social change in South Africa.

Why It Exists

Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation exists to provide ongoing socio-economic support, skills and opportunities to vulnerable youth, child-headed homes and senior citizens in South Africa.

The foundation was created to respond to systemic challenges such as unemployment, lack of access to education and limited support for orphaned and vulnerable children.

Through training, mentorship and community programmes, the foundation aims to break cycles of poverty and create pathways to dignity, independence and hope.

The Purpose

To empower vulnerable youth and communities with critical technical and soft skills, socio-economic support and mentorship, enabling them to build better futures and contribute to society.

Founder & Key People

Nomzamo Mbatha, founder of Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation

Nomzamo Mbatha

Founder & Patron

Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African actress, producer, activist and UNHCR ambassador who founded the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation in 2015.

Her work with the foundation is inspired by the plight of South Africa’s most vulnerable and marginalised, including youth, child-headed homes and senior citizens.

Nomzamo is recognised as a philanthropist and social entrepreneur who uses her platform to drive education, skills development and community upliftment.

Achievements & Recognition

Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation has earned recognition for its contribution to youth development, community support and social impact in South Africa.

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2024 Top NPO & Charities Brand

Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation was recognised as the winner in the Top NPO & Charities category at the 2024 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.

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Youth Empowerment & Community Impact

The foundation is acknowledged for providing socio-economic support, skills training and mentorship to vulnerable youth and communities, helping to create long-term change.

What They Do

Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation provides socio-economic support, skills training, mentorship and community programmes for vulnerable youth, child-headed homes and senior citizens.

Youth Development Skills Training Mentorship Community Support Social Impact