XHORHA- Founded by Xhorha-born Nasizo Mndende, the organisation marks a decade of using tradition to transform lives.
What began as a student’s dream at the University of Fort Hare has grown into a vibrant movement now celebrating a decade of impact. Inkciyo Eastern Cape, a cultural and youth development organisation founded by Nasizo Mndende, turns 10 years old this year marking a significant milestone for a vision rooted deeply in heritage, empowerment and resilience.
Originally from the rural town of Xhorha, Mndende launched the organisation in 2015 driven by a deep concern over the lack of initiatives tackling the everyday struggles of young people in her community. “I grew up doing traditional dancing, very active,” she recalls. “That cultural background inspired me to create something that speaks to both tradition and the issues our youth face.”
One of the major issues that spurred the creation of Inkciyo was the high rate of teenage pregnancy and school dropouts in Xhorha.
“Young people from Xhorha get pregnant at a very young age, some dropping out of school,” says Mndende. “I felt we needed a platform to guide them, support them and inspire them to stay in school and value themselves.”
Initially named the Bomvane Youth Foundation a nod to the local Amabomvana people the initiative gradually evolved into Inkciyo Eastern Cape.
What started in one rural town has since expanded beyond provincial lines, now reaching youth in North West, Johannesburg, and the Western Cape. This growth is a testament to the organisation’s powerful combination of cultural pride, mentorshipband community-driven solutions.
Furthmore, funding grassroots initiatives is never easy but Mndende’s response has been both strategic and innovative. In 2019, she founded Qhakaza Nolali, a brand that reinvests all its profits into sustaining Inkciyo’s programmes. “All the profit made goes to support the organisation,” she explains. “Parents have also been a major pillar of support without them, we wouldn’t have made it this far.”
In addition as Inkciyo marks its 10th anniversary, Mndende is already looking forward with bold ambitions. “My future plans are about convincing other provinces to join so Inkciyo can be worldwide known,” she says, envisioning a future where culture becomes a universal tool for youth development and social transformation.
From its grassroots beginnings to its growing national footprint, Inkciyo Eastern Cape stands as a beacon of how tradition can be harnessed to address modern challenges. At its core is the unwavering belief that culture, mentorship and community engagement can break cycles of poverty, restore dignity and ignite hope.
As the organisation enters its next chapter, Nasizo Mndende remains committed to the cause that started it all, a love for her people, her culture and a future where no young person is left behind.
Photographs: supplied
