Leadership & Governance
iSintu saMahlabezulu is governed by a dedicated Executive Committee (Imbizo) that provides strategic leadership and oversight for the organisation. The Imbizo is responsible for ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance, while guiding the effective delivery of our charitable and community objectives. Rooted in cultural values and collective responsibility, the Executive Committee works in the best interests of the AmaNdebele community and the wider public we serve.
Imbizo is a traditional community leadership and consultation forum rooted in African governance systems. It brings people together to discuss important matters, make collective decisions, and ensure accountability to the community. Within iSintu saMahlabezulu, the Imbizo reflects these values by guiding leadership through inclusive dialogue, shared responsibility, and respect for cultural traditions.
Executive Committee Members
Career Development & Business Committee
Empowers community members through skills training, career growth, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Food, Catering & Culture Committee
This committee honors Ndebele cuisine and cultural traditions by organizing communal gatherings and events that celebrate our heritage. Through shared meals and cultural experiences, it fosters unity, strengthens community bonds, and promotes a deep appreciation of our identity.
Health, Safety & Wellbeing Committee
This committee encourages healthy living and wellbeing within our community by promoting safety, wellness initiatives, and supportive programs that help everyone thrive.
Information Technology Officer
Responsible for managing and maintaining the organisation’s IT systems, digital platforms, and online presence. He ensures that technology effectively supports Isintu saMahlabezulu’s operations, communication, and community engagement.
Health, Safety & Wellbeing Officer
Passionate about promoting wellbeing and mental health within the community. He focuses on creating a supportive environment that encourages healthy living, emotional balance, and overall community wellness.
Governance, Cultural Leadership & Accountability
Constitutional Framework
iSintu saMahlabezulu is guided by a formal Governing Document (Constitution) adopted on 13 August 2024, which provides a clear framework for leadership accountability, ethical practice, cultural integrity, and community responsibility.
The Constitution ensures that iSintu saMahlabezulu operates as a not-for-profit, voluntary, and community-led organisation, established solely for public and community benefit. All income and assets are applied exclusively toward the organisation’s cultural, educational, and community objectives, for the benefit of people originating from Matabeleland and Midlands, and the wider AmaNdebele diaspora.
Constitutional Foundations
The organisation exists to preserve, promote, and celebrate the cultural and spiritual heritage of the aMahlabezulu (AmaNdebele) people of Zimbabwe—particularly those from Matabeleland and Midlands—and the diaspora, through:
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Heritage education and intergenerational learning
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Community-led cultural engagement and events
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Documentation and protection of traditional knowledge, oral history, and cultural practices
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Partnerships with heritage organisations, local authorities, and diaspora networks
These constitutional aims underpin all leadership decisions, cultural activities, and community programmes.
Cultural Leadership Structure
Alongside its elected Executive Committee, iSintu saMahlabezulu recognises the vital role of traditional cultural leadership, elders, and knowledge holders from Matabeleland and Midlands in safeguarding cultural authenticity and accountability.
The Constitution allows for the establishment of specialist advisory and leadership councils, including:
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Heritage Council
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Spiritual Council
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Youth Council
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Community and Business Councils
These structures ensure that cultural guidance is informed by appropriate knowledge holders, reflects AmaNdebele values, and is grounded in broad regional representation and collective consensus, rather than individual authority.
Accountability, Ethics & Ubuntu
All leadership processes, meetings, and decision-making are conducted in the spirit of ubuntu, emphasising:
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Respect
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Collective responsibility
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Participation
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Consensus
Membership and leadership reflect the diversity of the AmaNdebele community, including individuals and families with roots in Matabeleland and Midlands, and are bound by shared values of unity, cultural preservation, integrity, and community wellbeing. Where necessary, the Executive Committee may act to protect good governance and safeguarding, including approving or withdrawing membership in the best interests of the organisation.
Governance, Safeguarding & Oversight
The Constitution provides clear accountability and safeguarding mechanisms, including:
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An elected Executive Committee, accountable to members through an Annual General Meeting (AGM)
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Transparent financial management, including dual signatories and annual independent review
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Safeguarding of children, young people, elders, and adults at risk through responsible leadership and policy oversight
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Regular constitutional review and amendment by members to ensure relevance, compliance, and good governance
The Constitution has been formally reviewed and strengthened on the following dates:
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1st Review: 14 October 2025
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2nd Review: 8 November 2025
Safeguarding Policy
iSintu saMahlabezulu has a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy which sets out our commitment, procedures, and reporting arrangements to protect children, young people, elders, and adults at risk.
Commitment to Integrity & Sustainability
Through its constitutional framework, inclusive cultural leadership drawn from Matabeleland and Midlands, and strong safeguarding principles, iSintu saMahlabezulu ensures that:
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Cultural authority is exercised responsibly and collectively
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Community trust is maintained through transparency and accountability
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Leadership decisions prioritise long-term cultural preservation and community wellbeing
This approach ensures that iSintu saMahlabezulu remains a trusted, legitimate, and culturally grounded organisation, serving people from Matabeleland, Midlands, and the wider diaspora, now and for future generations.
iSintu saMahlabezulu is a member of Manchester Community Central (Membership No: 1311), supporting our commitment to good governance and community best practice.
Leadership & Governance – Roles & Responsibilities
Purpose of Governance
The leadership and governance of iSintu saMahlabezulu ensure that the organisation is well-managed, transparent, and accountable, and that all activities align with our charitable objectives, values, and legal obligations.
Our governance structure supports good decision-making, safeguards community trust, and ensures responsible use of resources.
Executive Committee / Trustees
The Executive Committee (Trustees) collectively holds legal responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of the organisation.
Collective responsibilities include:
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Ensuring the organisation operates in line with its constitution and charitable purpose
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Setting the strategic vision and long-term goals
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Overseeing financial management and sustainability
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Ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and funder requirements
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Promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding
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Acting in the best interests of the community we serve
Chair (uSihlalo)
Siphosenkosi Bhalule Sibanda
The Chair provides leadership to the Executive Committee and ensures effective governance.
Key responsibilities:
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Leading committee meetings and setting agendas
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Ensuring good governance and effective decision-making
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Supporting and guiding other committee members
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Acting as a key representative of the organisation
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Ensuring policies and procedures are followed
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Supporting accountability and transparency
Vice Chair (uMsekeli kaSihlalo)
Mandlenkosi Dube
The Vice Chair supports the Chair and steps in when the Chair is unavailable.
Key responsibilities:
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Supporting leadership and governance functions
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Assisting with strategic planning
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Acting on behalf of the Chair when required
General Secretary (Nobhala Jikelele)
Roy Mtshazo Ndlovu
The General Secretary ensures that the organisation is properly administered.
Key responsibilities:
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Maintaining accurate records and documentation
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Taking minutes of meetings and circulating action points
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Managing governance correspondence
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Ensuring compliance with reporting and filing requirements
Treasurer (uMgcini Isikhwama)
Thulani Mzileti Mangena
The Treasurer oversees the financial health of the organisation.
Key responsibilities:
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Monitoring income, expenditure, and budgets
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Ensuring proper financial controls are in place
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Reporting financial information to the committee
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Supporting funding applications and financial reporting
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Ensuring responsible and transparent use of funds
Committee Members
Committee members support the governance and delivery of the organisation’s work.
Key responsibilities:
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Attending meetings and contributing to decision-making
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Supporting events, activities, and community engagement
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Upholding the organisation’s values and policies
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Acting as ambassadors for the organisation
Accountability & Good Practice
All leaders and committee members:
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Act with integrity and respect
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Declare and manage conflicts of interest
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Commit to safeguarding and data protection
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Promote inclusivity and community wellbeing
This roles and responsibilities framework supports effective leadership, accountability, and sustainability for iSintu saMahlabezulu.
Leadership is accountable to members through an Annual General Meeting (AGM), where reports, financials, and committee elections/renewals are reviewed.
Committee members declare any conflicts of interest, which are recorded and managed according to agreed procedures.”
Risk management and financial controls are monitored regularly by the Committee to ensure organisational sustainability and compliance.”
Governance Statement
iSintu saMahlabezulu is governed by an Executive Committee who act as Trustees of the organisation. The Committee provides strategic direction, ensures accountability, and oversees the effective and lawful operation of the organisation in line with its constitution and charitable objectives.
The Executive Committee meets regularly to review organisational progress, finances, risks, and priorities.
Decision-Making & Accountability
Key decisions relating to strategy, finance, partnerships, and organisational development are made collectively by the Executive Committee. Decisions are recorded through formal meetings, minutes, and agreed procedures to ensure transparency and accountability.
Safeguarding Oversight
The Executive Committee holds overall responsibility for safeguarding. This includes ensuring appropriate safeguarding policies, procedures, and reporting mechanisms are in place to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults involved in the organisation’s activities.
Safeguarding is treated as a shared responsibility across leadership and committee members.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
Leadership and governance at iSintu saMahlabezulu are guided by principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion. The organisation is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming environment that reflects the diverse communities it serves.
Conflict of Interest
All Executive Committee and committee members are required to declare and appropriately manage any conflicts of interest in line with good governance practice, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of the organisation and its beneficiaries.
Accountability to Members (AGM)
iSintu saMahlabezulu is accountable to its members through an Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM provides an opportunity to review activities, approve financial reports, reflect on impact, and confirm or renew leadership in line with the organisation’s constitution.
Meetings & Oversight
The Executive Committee meets regularly, in line with the constitution, to oversee strategy, financial management, safeguarding, and organisational performance. Additional meetings may be held as required to support effective decision-making.
Risk Management & Financial Controls
The Executive Committee monitors organisational risks and maintains appropriate financial controls to ensure sustainability, transparency, and compliance with legal and funder requirements. Budgets and expenditure are reviewed regularly to support responsible stewardship of resources.