Women Changing the World Awards honours Diepsloot-based psychologist and narrative therapist

Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo was flying the South African flag in London when she was honoured with two gold medals at the Women Changing the World Awards, held recently in the British capital.

The Diepsloot-based psychologist and narrative therapist was recognised, not only for her notable achievements in mental health advocacy, but also for her commitment to uplifting marginalised communities through her non-profit organization, PHOLA, which means: ‘To heal’.

Unexpectedly nominated for the prestigious awards, Mlilo expressed her deep gratitude and pride in representing South Africa on the global stage. “I don’t know who nominated me, but it is a tremendous honour to be recognised among so many inspiring women, making a difference in their communities.”

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The Women Changing The World Awards is a global awards programme recognising the work of incredible women making a positive difference in the world across a range of industries and areas, including business, sustainability, leadership, health, education, product development, innovation, and technology.

The awards ceremony, which took place over two days, April 2 and 3, is a ‘People’s Choice’ award system, where attendees have the opportunity to vote for their favourite nominees. Mlilo’s PHOLA took first place in the category for social enterprises, achieving the highest number of votes among its peers. She also secured a second gold medal for her contributions in therapy and counselling services.

Adding to her accolades, Mlilo received a surprise Silver Golden Heart Award from Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, who personally presented the honour. The duchess expressed a desire to visit Mlilo in South Africa to see first hand the impactful work being done in her community. “This whole experience has been surreal, and I feel incredibly honoured. It’s not just about my recognition; it’s about acknowledging the hard work we do to support those who are often overlooked. This is a testament to our collective commitment to improving mental health outcomes in our communities.”

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Mlilo’s journey began with a deep-seated passion for helping marginalised individuals, particularly children affected by HIV and AIDS. This led her to develop the ‘Tree of Life’ narrative methodology, a powerful tool that has been transformative for many. “The ‘Tree of Life’ helps people explore their identities beyond trauma. It’s about recognizing one’s roots, skills, and aspirations, rather than dwelling on pain.”

Beyond the ‘Tree of Life’, she has also developed the ‘Courage’ methodology, aimed at supporting individuals who have experienced trauma. These frameworks have influenced mental health practices in countries such as the UK, Australia, and the USA, demonstrating the global impact of her work.

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Mlilo’s commitment to mental health continues to inspire many, and she hopes that the recognition at the Women Changing the World Awards will pave the way for new partnerships and collaborations to further her mission. “This is just the beginning. I look forward to seeing where this journey will take us, especially in finding new ways to support mental health initiatives in our disadvantaged communities.”

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