Duduzile Nyumbeka is a transformational leader, dynamic speaker, and accomplished event moderator with over a decade of experience advancing systemic change, socio-economic development, and digital inclusion across Africa. As the Managing Director of YD-CoLab, she drives strategic governance, sustainability, and youth leadership initiatives that shape influential dialogues on both global and local development issues.

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With a strong foundation in leadership, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, Duduzile has successfully led high-impact programs in the public and non-profit sectors. As a speaker and moderator, she engages diverse audiences, from policymakers to corporate leaders, facilitating thought-provoking conversations on leadership, governance, and socio-economic empowerment.

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Dudu also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Project Isizwe, a South African non-profit organization championing free internet access within walking distance for all citizens in low-income communities. Under her leadership, Project Isizwe has enabled the rollout of Africa’s largest free public Wi-Fi network in the City of Tshwane, Gauteng. Recently, the organization expanded its impact by connecting mining communities to free Wi-Fi in partnership with Glencore Mines. Project Isizwe has also collaborated with AWARE.org to use internet access as a platform for promoting responsible alcohol use, and with The Social Collective to implement the Free Wi-Fi Champions Programme in Botshabelo (Free State), Bushbuckridge (Mpumalanga), and Emalahleni.

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Dudu began her professional journey at North-West University, where she served as a Research and Support Assistant in the School of Humanities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and an Honours degree in Political Science from North-West University (Vaal Triangle Campus). In 2013, she pursued a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Comparative Politics at the Université Montpellier in France. Upon returning to South Africa, she worked in the political environment, including serving as a strategic advisor in the Office of the MMC for Shared Services at the City of Johannesburg before joining Project Isizwe.

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Beyond her leadership at Isizwe and YD-CoLab, Dudu is the Director of UjuDigital, a personalized ICT consulting firm for SMMEs, and the Director of Operations at Apolitical Academy Southern Africa, which nurtures the next generation of ethical and transformational leaders.

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A passionate advocate for internet governance, Dudu actively works to influence policies that expand broadband access in rural South Africa, focusing particularly on safe, equitable, and high-quality internet connectivity.

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An avid reader, she shares her love of books by reading to children at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and enjoys spending her free time outdoors.

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Speaking and Moderation Expertise

• Keynote Speaker: Delivering powerful and inspiring talks on leadership, digital transformation, women in leadership, governance, and socio-economic development.

• Panel Moderator: Leading insightful discussions with global thought leaders, ensuring engaging and impactful dialogue.

• Conference and Event Host/MC: Facilitating high-profile summits, corporate events, and public forums with poise and expertise.

• Workshop and Roundtable Facilitator: Driving interactive and solutions-oriented conversations in strategic policy and industry-specific discussions.

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Keynote Topics

• Leadership and Governance: Driving systemic change and fostering impactful leadership in organizations and public policy.

• Digital Transformation and Inclusion: The role of technology in advancing socioeconomic empowerment and bridging digital divides.

• Women in Leadership and Empowerment: Advocating for gender equity and creating pathways for women in leadership and business.

• Youth Development and Socio-Economic Growth: Engaging young leaders and fostering entrepreneurship for sustainable economic progress.

• Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy: Building cross-sector collaborations to address global and local challenges.​​​​