Communications & Multimedia Specialist | Storyteller | Mandela Washington Fellow ’24
Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South African ’22 | Women & Youth Engagement
From the heart of East London in South Africa, a young girl with a bold dream and a curious mind set her sights on changing the world—one story at a time. Her name? Ondela Mlandu. A storyteller by calling, a communicator by profession, and a change-maker by mission. Raised in a home where curiosity was encouraged and expression was valued, Ondela always knew that words carried power. They could uplift, challenge, ignite, and transform. Her early years at Clarendon High School were just the beginning. With a hunger to learn and a passion to lead, she carved a path into the media space—knowing that the narratives we tell can shape how we see ourselves and each other. Ondela’s journey wasn’t always smooth. She knew what it felt like to be underestimated, to question her worth, to battle imposter syndrome. But instead of allowing those doubts to define her, she turned them into fuel. Her nerves, she would later say, were simply a sign that she was stepping into growth. By her early thirties, she had already left an indelible mark on South Africa’s media landscape. As a journalist and writer, her voice resonated through some of the country’s most respected platforms, from Mail & Guardian to True Love, BONA, and Women’s Health South Africa. Her stories were fearless, authentic, and rooted in purpose. She tackled real issues with heart and precision—shining a spotlight on the voices often left unheard. But Ondela never limited herself to just one medium. Her love for storytelling expanded into radio, podcasting, and digital marketing. Her voice lit up airwaves on Metro FM, Power FM, 5FM, and SA FM, connecting with audiences through honest conversations and sharp insights. Whether behind the mic or in front of a strategy deck, she brought the same fire, intellect, and commitment to excellence. It wasn’t long before her leadership potential was recognized globally. After applying three times, she finally earned the prestigious title of Mandela Washington Fellow at just 33—two years earlier than the goal she had set for herself. She was placed in the Leadership in Business Institute at the University of Iowa in the United States, where she deepened her vision for how African business and storytelling could intersect to create meaningful change. That same year, she was selected as a fellow in the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation’s Leading for Humanity programme—an honour reserved for those who lead with courage, compassion, and conscience.
Education remained her compass throughout. She embraced every opportunity to grow, constantly evolving as a learner and as a leader. She believed in sharpening her skills not just for personal gain, but so she could pour back into her community—especially women and youth who, like her younger self, were waiting for someone to believe in them.
Today, Ondela leads as Head of Media in a public relations and communications firm, where she builds impactful narratives rooted in strategy, culture, and authenticity. She is also a Southern Africa Region Community Champion for the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum. In this role, she supports 17 hubs across the SADC region, driving initiatives focused on education, climate change, gender equality, and poverty eradication.
Despite all her accolades—being named one of Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans in film and media, earning fellowships, and speaking on global platforms—Ondela remains grounded. She often speaks about the importance of compassion, of being present, of seeing others and helping them rise. She doesn’t seek applause; she seeks impact. What fuels her more than anything is the belief that young African girls deserve more. More opportunities. More leadership. More representation. She envisions a world where every girl knows her rights, understands her power, and walks into any room like she belongs there—because she does.
Ondela’s story is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: she’s not just telling stories. She’s rewriting narratives, opening doors, and creating space for others to rise. And through every chapter, she’s proving that the power to change the world starts with the courage to tell your truth—and the commitment to help others find theirs.
To every young person watching her journey, her message is clear: You don’t need to wait for permission. You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to begin—and keep going. Because your voice matters. Your story matters. And the world is waiting to hear it.