Markings of a Transformational Leader: Zitsile Shines in Leadership and Community Impact

Zitsile Mabuza, a 2019 graduate of African Christian College, has become a powerful force for social change in the Kingdom of Eswatini, particularly in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). As the Assistant Director at Hosea’s Heart, an organization dedicated to empowering girls and providing them with freedom from sexual abuse, Zitsile’s journey from a passionate student to a community leader is a testament to the transformative power of education, perseverance, and empathy.

Recently, Zitsile took on a major leadership role in the Spar Women Challenge, one of the country’s largest women’s campaigns, which aimed to raise awareness about GBV and raise funds for organizations like Hosea’s Heart. Zitsile’s leadership was pivotal in ensuring the campaign’s success, but it wasn’t without its challenges.

From the start, she faced the task of sensitizing people of all ages and genders to the importance of the initiative, often having to address mixed reactions from men who initially felt excluded by the campaign’s name. “Some men had reservations, thinking the campaign wasn’t for them. But it was essential for me to show them how integral their role is in supporting women and girls and in standing up against GBV,”

In addition to promoting the campaign and raising funds, Zitsile and her team traveled across the country to various Spar supermarkets, alternating shifts and ensuring that each stop was impactful. The logistics were demanding, but Zitsile was determined to make every moment count. A defining moment came when she had the opportunity to speak on national radio, in both English and Siswati, as part of the build-up to the main event.

The hard work, resilience, and determination paid off when the event culminated in a successful Fun Run where Hosea’s Heart was awarded a generous E25,000 cheque. The win was not only a moment of success for Zitsile and her team but also for the organizations and individuals who had come together to support the cause. Her boss was particularly impressed by the behind-the-scenes effort Zitsile had put in to ensure every detail contributed to the campaign’s success.

Reflecting on the experience, Zitsile is candid about the challenges she faced: “It took a lot of diligence, critical thinking, prayer, and discernment. There were moments when the road felt tough, but my focus remained clear—to make a lasting impact in the fight against GBV and to engage the community in a way that would truly resonate with them.”

As a graduate of African Christian College, Zitsile’s work speaks to the values instilled in her as a student — values of transformational leadership, critical thinking, and a relentless drive to positively impact the world. Through initiatives like the Spar Women Challenge, she continues to demonstrate the profound difference that a single individual, equipped for excellence, can make in their community and beyond.

Zitsile’s story is a shining example of what it means to lead with purpose and serve with impact. If her journey has inspired you, then consider joining African Christian College, where you too can be equipped to become a transformational leader.

Together, let’s explore the path to making a difference.