Writer: Zinhle Dlamini
Nozipho Zondi-Mondlane with Eva Strange
from the Rennier Jooste Foundation
Three years ago, Nozipho Zondi-Mondlane (43) took a leap of love and faith when she emigrated from South Africa to Mozambique with her husband, Solomon Mondlane.
For Mondlane (49), it was a return to his homeland, while for Zondi-Mondlane, it was an opportunity to embrace new social and economic networks.
Although the move seemed drastic, Mondlane’s announcement on social media was met with optimism.
“I received calls from many inspired South Africans and Swazis who were interested in doing business with the Mozambicans,” Mondlane recalls.
He adds that: “From there, it was clear that our mission was bigger than the beach resort we were going to manage in Ponta de Ouro at that time”.
Within months of their arrival in Ponta de Ouro, a town along the coast of Mozambique, the couple was hosting visitors from South Africa and Eswatini.
They also bought land; started farming and immersed themselves in the local community.
Mondlane recalls a defining moment by the lake: “I was fishing one day when two boys, about 12 years old, joined me. One of them, Kito, was a skilled fisherman. Each time he cast his line, he pulled out a fish. By the time I had caught one, Kito already had five. Thirty minutes later, his basket was full”.
To Mondlane’s surprise, Kito handed over his entire catch, having noticed his struggle.
“That simple act of generosity showed me the true spirit of Mozambique,” Mondlane reflects.
His drive to strengthen Africa’s business and social fabric grew even stronger. Mondlane joined Associação Cristã para o Desenvolvimento Comunitário, a non-governmental organisation as a Project Developer.
Through corporate partnerships, the organisation launched community initiatives ranging from poultry, fish and crop farming to providing solar lighting in areas without electricity.
Meanwhile, Zondi-Mondlane focused on empowering vulnerable girls in Ponta de Ouro—a tourist hub where many face risks of trafficking and abuse.
“To date, we’ve helped girls who had dropped out of school return to class and supported them to complete their studies,” she explains.
Her leadership extended to the private sector as well. Zondi-Mondlane became Country Manager for Portia M Skin Solutions, bringing South Africa’s popular skincare brand across the border and opening its first store in Mozambique.
“Creating partnerships and strengthening business ties beyond borders is key to Africa’s development,” Zondi-Mondlane explains.
Their circle of collaborators include South Africa’s Super Rock Drills, a drilling rigs and affiliated equipment manufacturing company; Musa Travels, a local and international tour operator as well as individuals like Dr Venatus Mukungu, Dr Disa Mogashana, Mr Lucky Mogashana and Dr Thoko Mnisi. Their partnerships have contributed to employment opportunities for the youth in Mozambique.
Ge Jooste sharing a moment with
Jooste Foundation beneficiaries
Back in South Africa, Zondi-Mondlane also runs #FeedingTheFuture, a children’s feeding initiative sponsored by the Rennier Jooste Foundation. The programme currently supports children in Nellmapius, Pretoria, and is expanding to Itireleng, Kgabalatsane. Plans are also underway for Kids for Christ, a faith-based initiative aimed at empowering children in church.
Former President of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano (yellow shirt)
with Solomon Mondlane (white shirt), Nozipho and family members
Ahead of Mozambique’s recent presidential elections, the couple partnered with the Joaquim Chissano Foundation, established by the former President. Research under this partnership highlighted urgent community needs such as clean water, pre-school education, school transport, agricultural development, tourism promotion, and environmental conservation.
Some of these projects were paused due to political instability.
“Besides physical attacks on investors, many also complained about red tape designed to discourage investment,” Mondlane explains.
With political calm returning, the couple is ready to resume their mission—one project at a time.
From grassroots empowerment to corporate partnerships, the Mondlanes’ work demonstrates how trust and collaboration can power Africa’s future.