Local mental expert scoops award in London

Acclaimed narrative therapist and psychosocial specialist Ncazelo Mlilo has returned to SA with global recognition after winning two awards at the Women Changing the World Summit held in London, UK, from April 2 to 3.

Mlilo, who landed at the OR Tambo International Airport on April 9, was honoured with the People’s Choice awards for non-profit and social enterprise women in therapy and counselling services.

To her surprise, she was the second-placed recipient of the golden heart award, presented by the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson.

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The unexpected accolade recognised her compassionate and transformative contributions to mental health.

Mlilo founded Phola, an NPO in Johannesburg, and co-developed the Tree of Life narrative therapy methodology used in over 60 countries worldwide, including the US, Brazil, India and Australia.

The methodology helps people reframe their personal stories and find healing through culturally rooted practices, particularly in the context of trauma.

“What made me start Phola was my love for people. I know, as a psychologist and narrative therapist, that when we face mental health challenges, our lives can feel like they have come to a stop,” she said.

“But with support, people can overcome these challenges because they have the power and capacity to be great.”

Ncazelo also stressed the importance of recognising the value of African culture and its potential for global influence.

“Africa is beautiful. Our people are wise and knowledgeable, and that wisdom can be used to uplift communities and shared with the world.”

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Phola’s mission is to provide accessible mental health services to those who need it most, especially vulnerable individuals who cannot afford professional support.

“Phola is about healing, especially for disadvantaged communities,” Mlilo said.

Her recognition in London is a testament to her trailblazing work in mental health and advocacy for culturally sensitive, Afrocentric methodologies.

Her work addresses trauma, HIV/Aids, GBV and poverty, offering people new ways to reclaim their stories and futures.

On her return, Mlilo was welcomed at the airport by her husband, Thamsanqa Mlilo, family, friends and members of the Phola team.

“We are incredibly proud of her,” said Thamsanqa.

“She works hard and is passionate. Now, the world has recognised her. We didn’t expect three awards – one would have been enough – but this shows how impactful her work is. And we thank God for guiding her.

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“She’s a prayerful woman. Her wisdom is not just from education but from God. We know this is just the beginning. She will go on to conquer the world.”

Judy Mthombeni, the chief social worker at Phola and long-time colleague of Mlilo, described her as a pioneer in narrative therapy who saw the limitations of traditional counselling, especially when working with Aids orphans early in her career.

“She realised our usual approaches weren’t reaching them. They would talk and cry but not move forward,” said Mthombeni.

“So, she created something culturally connected, methods that let people tell their stories in empowering ways.”

Mlilo developed additional methods, such as Courage – for women dealing with trauma- and Outrage – which engages men in GBV prevention. These methodologies are rooted in culture and healing, enabling people to reconnect with their identity, heritage, and strength.

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“She’s powerful in her work with communities and within the organisation. She ensures staff are emotionally supported, debriefed and mentally well,” added Mthombeni.

Throughout her 25-year career, Ncazelo Mlilo has impacted over 100 000 people and trained more than 1 000 mental health practitioners annually.

She is also a respected international speaker, regularly invited to conferences like the Trust’s Collective Narrative Practices Conference and the Narrative Therapy Centre Conference.

The Dulwich Centre Foundation (Australia) and the NHS Foundation Trust (UK) have endorsed her work.

Her approach, she says, is about ensuring that mental health support is meaningful to the communities it serves.

“Mental health support must be culturally sensitive. People use their cultural knowledge to understand their lives and heal. We need to respect and incorporate that into our approaches.”