About Futurelect
Founded in 2018 in Johannesburg, Futurelect is a non-profit and public benefit organisation dedicated to transforming political and government leadership across Africa. We are committed to equipping a new generation of young, ethical leaders in Africa with the skills and knowledge required to serve their communities effectively, responsibly and with integrity.
Our non-partisan leadership programmes are designed to cultivate diverse, highly skilled political leaders who will improve government and strengthen democracy across the continent. They primarily target young African women aged 18-45 who are either already on a path to political or public office leadership or aspire to assume these roles.
Futurelect also offers an online Civic Education Programme in South Africa, providing access to independently peer-reviewed, nonpartisan courses on democracy and governance. It is primarily targeted at South Africans aged 16-34 and is freely accessible and beneficial to all.
The Underrepresentation Challenge
Africa’s population is young, with over 60% under 24, yet political leadership remains dominated by older generations. In 17 Sub-Saharan countries holding elections in 2024, the median age gap between leaders and the population is 41 years. Women make up over 50% of the population but hold only 26% of parliamentary seats. In Kenya, women representation is 21.4% in the National Assembly and 30.88% in the Senate. Youth face barriers in political participation due to lack of resources, networks, and gender-sensitive education. Accessible civic education is crucial to address these challenges.
Thematic
Areas
-
Good Governance
-
Leadership Development
-
Women Empowerment
-
Youth Participation and Engagement
-
Civic Education
-
Leadership Accountability
-
Inclusive Democratic Processes
-
Ethical Leadership
Our
Values
Partnership
and Advocacy
We are a collaborative movement for nurturing ethical leaders across Africa, inviting partners to help shape transformative leadership.
Empowering Youth
and Women
Ethical
Leadership
We champion diversity and inclusion, creating opportunities for young people and women in Africa's public sector.
Our work is rooted in ethical leadership and accountability, principles we uphold in all our interactions.
Commitment to Democracy
We are dedicated to promoting democratic values and self-governance across Africa through our programs.
Pan-Africanism and Learning
We embrace a pan-African vision, valuing diversity and continuous learning to keep our impact relevant and forward-looking.
Our Mission Is Powered By These Partners
.png)
Futurelect Alumni Spotlight
It was an incredibly life-changing experience for me. It was one that helped me to consolidate my leadership over a number of years in business as well as in development organisations, towards starting a journey in public leadership. Since the time of having graduated from the Futurelect programme, I have since co-founded a political party in South Africa called Build One South Africa, and I am deputy leader of the party, and will be contesting running for office in 2024 under the party.
Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster
Member of the South African Parliament, BOSA SA
2020 Futurelect Alumna, South Africa
Leadership Team
Founder and CEO
Lindiwe Mazibuko
​
A Harvard Kennedy School of Government graduate and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader Lindiwe Mazibuko is a distinguished South African public figure, writer, and academic. Her journey is characterised by groundbreaking leadership and a strong commitment to building a progressive and diverse public sector.
Regional Director: East Africa
Natasha Kimani
​
Natasha Kimani, a seasoned lawyer, brings a wealth of experience in public policy analysis, constitutionalism, and governance to her role as East Africa Regional Director. Her career has been marked by a commitment to building democracy and contributing to legal and governance reform in the region.
Chief Operating Officer
Khurshed Moakes
​
Khurshed has over 15 years of top-level experience in Human Resources and Operations Management. Holds qualifications in Human Resource Management and Practical Labour Law in South Africa and UK. She is also a qualified Executive Coach.
Regional Head of Programmes, Southern Africa
Wellington Radu
​
With 15+ years' experience, Wellington strengthens African democracy through promoting free and fair elections. An expert facilitator, he uses research and technical skills (systems thinking, programme management, learning and development, fundraising and financial management ) to drive learning and innovation for politicians, policymakers, and the public.
Chief of Staff
Thozama Njobe
​
Thozama Njobe is an experienced LGBTQI+ human rights defender, strategist and political scientist specialising in transitional justice. She has worked in strategy and intelligence for political party campaigns and is pursuing an MA in Political Science at the University of Witwatersrand.
Head of Finance
Julie Barker
​
Julie Barker is Futurelect’s highly skilled Head of Finance, bringing over a decade of expertise in financial management and strategy. Her strong leadership ensures the organisation’s financial health, supporting sustainable growth and impactful programmes across Africa.
Head of Digital, Media and Product
Shaunei Gerber
​
Shaunei leads Futurelect's digital strategy (media and product) with 16+ years' experience in digital innovation. Skilled in user-centric product development and agile methodologies, she drives growth and exceptional user experiences. Her multiple award-winning and nominated leadership builds a collaborative culture, while her storytelling strengthens Futurelect's digital presence.
Futurelect Regional Offices
South Africa
​​
Workshop 17, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa
​
Workshop 17, Kloof Street, Cape Town, South Africa