Joyce Nomagugu Baloyi completed her matric at Sivananda High School in KwaMashu and pursued a Diploma in Marketing and Advertising at Natal Technikon, as well as a Diploma in Office Administration from Damelin. As the Executive Coordinator of the Ukukhanya Kwesizwe Community Project, she is a transformative force in community empowerment, dedicating her time to uplifting women, youth, children, and the LGBTQIA+ community through skills development, financial literacy workshops, mentorship, and rapid-response support for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Her initiatives include school awareness campaigns, court accompaniment, economic empowerment programs, and the establishment of a Thuthuzela Care Centre in KwaMashu, which is scheduled to open in 2025. Joyce’s advocacy is deeply personal; having survived GBV herself, she channels her experiences into mentoring others, helping them turn trauma into triumph. She complements her lived experience with extensive training in HIV counseling, nancial literacy, GBV and trauma response, sign language, housing development, health and safety, theology, parenting, and facilitation. Joyce’s work has garnered recognition, including the eThekwini Newspaper Awards for Most Influential Leader in 2025, the Mzansi Media Awards for Best Community Leader in 2025, and the Gagasi FM SHERO Award in 2023. Joyce embodies resilience, compassion, and purpose, guided by the belief, “I can’t change everyone’s life, but I can change at least one person’s life.” She continues to inspire meaningful change throughout South Africa.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Successfully advocated for the establishment of a Thuthuzela Care Centre in KwaMashu, providing a safe space for women, girls, and the LGBTQI community affected by gender-based violence (GBV). The centre officially opened in August 2025.
- GBV Activism – passionate GBV activist, working tirelessly to protect women and children from violence and empowering survivors to become leaders and advocates themselves.
- Led the Inanda Rapid Response Team, assisting 10–20 GBV survivors monthly and connecting them with vital services, including health, psychological, and legal support.
- Asikhulume/Let’s Talk Advocacy Project – formed and led a steering committee with various organisations to advocate for a care centre for GBV victims in the INK area.
- Founded a support group for GBV victims, offering counselling, case referrals, and healing support.
- Helped survivors, youth, women, and unemployed graduates gain job placements, skills development, and learnership opportunities, fostering financial independence.
- Community empowerment – alleviate poverty and boost the economy in KwaMashu and nearby township and rural communities through mentorship and business support.
- Founder of the NGO Network, Wise Women of Worth & Wealth and Township Emerging Entrepreneurs.
Leadership and Recognition
- 2025 eThekwini Newspaper Awards – Most Influential Leader
- 2025 Mzansi Media Awards – Best Community Leader
- 2024 ACYMWE Award – Best Woman in Community Involvement
- 2024 KZN Provincial Women Sector Chairperson
- 2024 Zama Sizwe Recognition – Best Community Leader
- 2024 INK NGO Network Recognition – Best Women Leader
- 2023 Gagasi FM SHERO Award – Best Community Builder in KZN
- 2023 Prominent Awards – Best Community Builder in KZN
- Member of KZN Arts, Sport & Culture Social Cohesion Committee – KZN Gender Machinery, Office of the Premier – Member of KZN PCA, Office of the Premier – Member of ICFP International Steering Committee
