Dr. Linda Ncube-Nkomo is a multifaceted leader, an accomplished professional, and most importantly, a proud mother. With over 25 years of experience in her career, she has worked her way through the industry, always driven by a sense of purpose and a determination to uplift those around her. As a Chartered Accountant, also recognized as a Certified Public Accountant in other parts of the world, Dr. Ncube-Nkomo has carved a path of leadership, excellence, and advocacy. At EliteX, we are proud to have Dr. Linda Ncube-Nkomo as part of the edition: 10 Exceptional Business Leaders in 2024.
Dr. Linda Ncube-Nkomo | CEO | Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
Her professional journey began in 1995 as an articled clerk at an accounting firm that no longer exists today. Over the years, she has continued to grow, earning both a Master’s in Business Leadership and a Doctorate in Business Leadership. These achievements reflect her commitment to lifelong learning and to developing her skills, not only as a business leader but also as a person who understands the importance of effective people management.
Dr. Ncube-Nkomo’s leadership journey began early in her career, even before she officially held any senior roles. During her formative years as an articled clerk, she witnessed behaviors such as bullying, verbal abuse, and both racial and gender discrimination—unfortunate norms in the workplace at the time. These experiences shaped her resolve to lead differently: to treat people with respect and equality, regardless of their background or role in the organization. Recognizing that the accounting profession traditionally placed little emphasis on people management skills, she consciously chose to further her education in areas that would help her develop strong “people skills.” After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, she committed herself to learning how to lead effectively and empathetically in the workplace.
“Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro teaches you to dig into resources of resilience you never knew you had.”
Dr. Ncube-Nkomo’s career took a positive turn when she joined an international organization where the work culture was vastly different. She recalls a country manager who would introduce every employee as “my colleague,” regardless of their position. This culture of mutual respect and acknowledgment reinforced her belief that leadership could be inclusive, supportive, and inspiring. Interestingly, her career path was influenced by a negotiation with her father. While her father envisioned her becoming a doctor or a lawyer, Dr. Ncube-Nkomo dreamed of becoming a psychologist. However, at the time, her father did not fully understand the profession of psychology, so they eventually settled on accounting. This agreement set the stage for her illustrious career in finance and leadership.
After a decade in the private sector, Dr. Ncube-Nkomo felt a desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Although she did not know how to transition into this new space, her determination led her forward. She started her own consulting business, and soon after, a former colleague reached out with an opportunity to join a non-profit organization as a Chief Financial Officer. This marked the beginning of a rewarding chapter in her career, where she could combine her financial expertise with her passion for community impact.
Today, Dr. Ncube-Nkomo is part of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, an organization that was established in 1995. The Fund’s mission is clear and powerful: to change the lives of children and youth, starting in South Africa and expanding globally. Through community partnerships, the organization focuses on several key initiatives:
Firstly, the Fund works to ensure that children under the age of five not only survive the critical first 1,000 days of life but also thrive. Community-based healthcare workers are empowered to support pregnant mothers, ensuring that babies are born with a healthy birth weight and are able to meet important developmental milestones. This work sets the foundation for these children to cope successfully when they eventually enter the education system.
Secondly, the Fund addresses the troubling issue of violence against children. South Africa faces a child murder rate that is four times higher than the global average, making child protection an urgent priority. The organization collaborates with schools, communities, and children themselves to raise awareness and teach safety measures. Programs like “Girl Power” empower young girls through educational initiatives, awareness campaigns, and support services for survivors. The organization also runs “Boy Joy,” an annual event focused on understanding what makes boys happy and addressing interpersonal violence by supporting boys and men as both victims and potential change agents. In addition, the Youth Leadership Program plays a pivotal role in preparing young people to advocate for themselves and participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Young people are provided with entrepreneurial training and seed capital to start businesses. STEM and robotics boot camps further expose them to career paths they may not have otherwise considered, broadening their horizons and equipping them for the future.
“Success is empowering a team to thrive while working toward a common goal.”
Running across all these programs is a strong emphasis on sustainable livelihoods. Recognizing the deep inequality in South African society, the Fund works to address poverty in the households of the children and youth they serve. Through initiatives like food gardens and savings groups, primarily involving rural women, families are taught to generate income and build micro-enterprises. These efforts empower families to feed their children, send them to school, and invest in a better future. Dr. Ncube-Nkomo’s professional journey has not been without challenges. As a woman of color, she has often been the only black person or the only woman in the room. This visibility came with immense pressure, as she felt a constant responsibility to represent women and black professionals positively. However, she overcame these challenges by focusing on excellence, integrity, and perseverance.
For Dr. Ncube-Nkomo, success as a business leader goes beyond profits or metrics. Success is about empowering a team to work toward a common goal while creating an environment where people can thrive and look forward to contributing each day. She firmly believes that when leaders get the “people side” of business right, organizational results will naturally follow. One of the decisions Dr. Ncube-Nkomo is most proud of is implementing an Adult Basic Education Training Program for warehouse workers in a previous role. These men, many in their 40s and 50s, had never been to school and relied on others to complete basic tasks like filling out leave applications. Through her efforts, they gained the ability to read and write—a life-changing achievement for them and a deeply fulfilling accomplishment for her as a leader.
Dr. Ncube-Nkomo stays motivated through continuous learning. She enjoys reading, particularly the biographies of inspiring South African business leaders. She also follows thought leaders on platforms like LinkedIn and teaches a module on leadership and transformation at a local business school, which keeps her engaged and informed. Innovation has also played a key role in Dr. Ncube-Nkomo’s career. From her early days as an accountant, when financial records were done manually, she learned the importance of adapting to change. Now, as the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund redefines itself for a technology-driven future, innovation remains central to ensuring the organization’s sustainability and impact.
To keep her teams aligned with organizational goals, Dr. Ncube-Nkomo employs various strategies. She shares regular updates, such as newsletters or quarterly town halls, where she reinforces the organization’s vision, mission, and progress. For her direct reports, frequent one-on-one interactions ensure she remains informed and supportive of their needs. Collaboration, rather than competition, is a strategy Dr. Ncube-Nkomo values most in her industry. By working with peers in the children’s sector, she stays up to date on critical issues and shares insights that can improve outcomes for children and youth. A recent personal achievement that stands out to her is summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in 2022. Reaching the top of Africa’s highest peak was a transformative experience that tested her resilience and taught her invaluable life lessons.
“Trust is a leader’s most valuable currency.”
Balancing her professional and personal life is something Dr. Ncube-Nkomo takes seriously. She credits her upbringing for instilling in her the importance of rest and reflection. Observing a Sabbath day every Saturday, she focuses on physical, mental, and spiritual renewal through reading, meditation, and attending church. For aspiring leaders, Dr. Ncube-Nkomo’s advice is clear: trust is a leader’s most valuable currency. Leaders must ensure their actions align with their words and admit when they make mistakes. Authenticity and integrity are critical to building trust and inspiring others. Looking ahead, Dr. Ncube-Nkomo’s goals remain rooted in her passion for creating a world that is safe for children—a world where laughter and innocence are preserved, and children feel secure and protected by the adults around them. Professionally and personally, her vision is the same: to build a brighter, safer, and more equitable future for the generations to come.
