Nkosinathi Mbonani: Tsakani changemaker nominated for Forty Under 40 SA Award

Tsakani – Nkosinathi Mbonani stands as a beacon of leadership, entrepreneurship, and community transformation.

He was recently nominated for the prestigious Forty Under 40 South Africa awards, which recognised his resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.

“A fellow business founder nominated me. Initially, he thought national awards were for ‘bigger’ people. But making the shortlist gave me the chance to change the narrative about township youth leadership,” he said.

The Forty Under 40 nomination reflects his strengths by recognising leadership that blends entrepreneurship with social transformation and aligning perfectly with his mission.

He is nominated in the philanthropy and charity category. Mbonani attended Springs Boys High, where he earned full colours in hockey, a sport that he says taught him discipline, teamwork, and leadership.

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Navigating a multi-racial school environment built his resilience, while being the hockey team captain instilled a sense of responsibility and character.

“The loss of my father, a respected community pillar, became a pivotal moment which inspired me to continue his legacy of service,” he said.

This promise evolved into action when Nkosinathi founded the Nkosinathi Mbonani Foundation to create jobs and the Ballers Football Club to guide youth away from drugs and towards purposeful living.

“What began as a promise became my passion and life’s calling. Being nominated for the Forty Under 40 awards holds deep meaning for me. It affirms that a ‘kasi boy’ from Tsakani can make a national impact.

“Professionally, it validates years of work in both business and community development. It sends a message that leadership and vision can come from anywhere,” he said.

“Two milestones that stand out for me are that Ballers FC has won back-to-back championships, showcasing how sport can transform lives.

“I have built the Nkosinathi Mbonani Foundation into a trusted hub for youth development, education, women’s health, and community welfare. These achievements are not just accolades; they are about impact.”

His father’s example and the needs of his community inspired him. Seeing gaps in employment, youth engagement, and access to resources, Mbonani chose to create solutions rather than complain.

Challenges such as funding constraints, scepticism, and balancing business with social commitments posed significant hurdles.

“Each challenge taught me adaptability, persistence, and the value of partnerships,” he said.

His work has helped youth abandon destructive habits. Unemployed individuals secured jobs through his foundation, and schoolgirls maintain dignity through sanitary pad drives.

“I embrace the responsibility of being a role model, leading by example to show that principles, hard work, and vision can break cycles of limitation.

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“My advice to others is to start where they are with what they have, without waiting for perfect conditions. Consistency beats talent when talent does not show up. My values are rooted in my upbringing, where community service was a duty, not an option.

“Sports, discipline, and faith shaped my drive. My mother and sister have been incredible supporters, while my late father remains my biggest influence, with his integrity and selflessness guiding my decisions,” he said.

Mbonani balances family and community work by integrating them, believing that his work strengthens families through alignment, not separation.

He hopes to be remembered as a builder and not just of structures, but of dreams, opportunities, and futures. Voting is open online on the official Forty Under 40 Awards platform until September 13. Each person may cast one vote per day.

Mbonani emphasises that public support is crucial and not just to win, but to demonstrate that the community stands behind change-makers. He pleads with community members to help him win by voting for him daily.

“Once voting closes, judges review finalists based on votes and impact, leading to the awards ceremony. Regardless of the outcome, my mission continues unabated.

“My journey from Tsakani to national recognition is a testament to how determination, community focus, and leadership can create lasting change.

“As I continue to build futures, my story inspires many to believe in the power of one person’s vision,” he concluded.