Nokwanda Zakiyyah

Born to South African, Muslim parents in 1993 KwaNdebele – Mpumalanga, Nokwanda Zakiyyah Shabangu is a performance poet/vocalist by night and Digital Content Editor for a Social Enterprise based in Diepsloot, Johannesburg by day. Nokwanda is also a single mother who advocates for women’s rights, economic emancipation and social liberation from oppressive regimes.

Think of her as a humanitarian who places emphasis on grassroot activism: to mobilise notions of freedom using writing, singing and creating sustainable projects that have an impact on the youth.

To save you the time of searching LinkedIn… As a natural creative, Nokwanda started working at a content marketing agency, SoulProviders, where she trained in (digital) community and client relationship management. She then honed in on her lifestyle, writing skills as the Digital Content Co-ordinator for Hello Joburg and Creative Feel magazines. As fashion has its way, she transformed into the Brand Manager for Urban Zulu SA to enhance the aesthetic and design style of their e-commerce website and increase revenue. Now, as a Digital Content Editor and Project Manager for The Wot-If? Trust, Nokwanda uses the digital experience she has acquired over her five-year professional career to assist and guide emerging entrepreneurs, with their brand presentation and representation to a local market.

I have very little accolades to my name but my story is worth more than gold in Jozi after the year 1886.