Lydia Hlongwane is a dynamic changemaker transforming lives across South Africa and beyond. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from UNISA and a Civic Leadership Certificate from the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI). As co-founder and director of I.C.A.R.E Organisation and Changing Lives Foundation, and managing director of Imbali Group of Companies, she blends strategy, mentorship, and advocacy to create tangible impact. Her days are filled with leading empowerment campaigns, coordinating events, engaging partners, and mentoring young people, with the ultimate goal of ensuring no voice goes unheard and no potential is wasted. Lydia’s inspiration comes from her roots in Hammanskraal, where she witnessed firsthand the struggles of women and youth with limited opportunities. She is also an author, life coach, and motivational speaker, with three books exploring resilience, identity, and empowerment. Her proudest achievements include leading the Mpumalanga Creative Arts Summit, empowering over 200 women creatives, running the Treat Her Like a Queen campaign for rural schoolgirls, and fundraising for children with rare diseases. Her impact is not limited to South Africa, as she has been internationally recognised, receiving the Women In Africa Laureate (2022), Women4Africa Best International Business Woman of the Year (2023), and being named one of Africa’s 50 Most Impactful Women (2022). Guided by the principle that true leadership is service, Lydia carries the wisdom of her late great-grandmother: “Your story is your power. Don’t be afraid to use it to light the path for others.” Through her work, she continues to inspire, empower, and uplift communities worldwide.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of South Africa
- Diploma in Public Management, Tshwane University of Technology
- Diploma in Local Government Management, Tshwane University of Technology – majoring in politics
- Civic Leadership Certificate, Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI), UNISA School of Leadership
ACHIEVEMENTS (Projects, Campaigns and Recognition)
- Mpumalanga Creative Arts Summit – a gathering of 500+ creatives and international guests to unlock opportunities in the arts.
- Women in the Creative Sector Empowerment Sessions – empowering 200+ women creatives through mentorship and support.
- Treat Her Like a Queen Campaign – providing rural schoolgirls with transformative matric farewell experiences.
- Groom a Child Campaign – leadership training, financial literacy, and education on inclusion and social awareness.
- Rare Disease Fundraising Campaign – raising funds for children with rare diseases to access life-saving treatments.
- Gospel Comes Alive – a gospel concert and workshop preserving legacies and empowering artists.
- Women in Africa (WIA) Laureate (2022) – pitched ideas to French leaders, including First Lady Brigitte Macron
- Women4Africa Award: Best International Business Woman of the Year (2023).
- Named one of Africa’s 50 Most Impactful Women (2022).
- Nominee for Forbes Africa 30 Under 50 (2025).
