Invest in Mercy H Nqandeka studies and shape the future of health innovation

A Brief Overview

Mercy H Nqandeka is a dedicated PhD candidate at Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. By supporting her studies, you’re contributing to groundbreaking research and the future of health innovation. Mercy’s work has the potential to make a lasting impact on global health, but she needs your help. Your donation can make a difference, empowering her to push boundaries and inspire change. Invest in Mercy's journey and be a part of something truly transformative.

A testament to resilience

Hombakazi Mercy Nqandeka's journey is a testament to resilience, community empowerment, and cultural preservation. She is an agriculturalist with a BSc in crop and soil science and Honours in Soil science from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. She holds a double master’s degree from the National University of Ireland under the Climate Change Agriculture Food Security program and at SupAgro under the Resources, Agricultural Systems and Development in Montpellier in France. She embarked on a mission to not only find her place in the professional world but to uplift her rural community.

Facing new challenges head-on

After facing challenges in securing employment, she took a decision to return to her village in 2019. Rather than succumbing to the frustration of joblessness, she saw an opportunity to make a difference locally. This marked the beginning of a transformative period in her life.

In 2020, she founded Hombacrafts a Xhosa beading company aimed at preserving and promoting indigenous crafts. Collaborating with older women who serve as mentors, she learned traditional beading techniques passed down through generations. Simultaneously, she took on the role of educator, teaching these skills to younger women in her community. Through Hombacrafts, Hombakazi not only provided economic opportunities but also revived cultural practices that were in danger of fading away.

Beyond local food security, towards ownership and nurturing shared traditions.

Building on the success of Hombacrafts, Hombakazi established Zidlo Farms Cooperative in 2023, a crop production business designed to generate employment for villagers. By harnessing the agricultural potential of the land, she created sustainable livelihoods and contributed to food security in the community. This initiative not only provide jobs but also instils a sense of pride and ownership among the locals.

In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Hombakazi is a prolific author. Her literary works, including "The Dissonant Rainbow" (2019) and "To my Young Self" (2020), showcase her commitment to storytelling and cultural preservation. However, it's her latest book, "Don’t upset ooMalume: A guide to stepping up your Xhosa Game," published by Jonathan Ball in 2022, that stands out. This comprehensive guide celebrates various aspects of Xhosa culture, from food and clothing to ceremonies and handcrafts, ensuring that these traditions are not forgotten in a rapidly changing world.

Next steps: recognizing and integrating Indigenous healing knowledge in the formal health care system (through ridged exploratory studies during her PhD)

Hombakazi’s thirst for knowledge remains unquenchable. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University; her research focuses on indigenous knowledge health systems. Inspired by the observations of health-seeking behaviors in her village, she seeks to understand the resilience of indigenous healers in the face of historical adversities such as the 1957 Witchcraft Suppression Act, which prohibited indigenous healers from practicing in South Africa. Her study aims to bridge the gap between indigenous healing practices and the formal healthcare system, advocating for greater recognition and integration of traditional knowledge into healthcare policies and practices.

Sharing knowledge locally and globally

In addition to her remarkable achievements in community development, entrepreneurship, and academic research, Hombakazi also extends her expertise beyond local boarders. She has become a sought-after educator, sharing her knowledge and insights with students in international Universities globally. For example, recently, she was an exchange lecturer in 2023 at Utrecht College University, addressing topics such as Political Economy from the Global South.

Hombakazi Mercy Nqandeka's journey is one of determination, innovation, and unwavering commitment to community development and cultural preservation. Through her various initiatives, she has not only transformed her own life but has also become a beacon of hope and inspiration for her community and beyond.

Manielle & Mercy - new friends are made under old trees

I met Manielle Brits at the 2021 Greenpop Eden Festival, and it was friendship at first sight. We spent the rest of the festival together, discovering a bond that transcended our cultural differences—me being Xhosa and her Afrikaans. Despite our distinct backgrounds, we found common ground in shared values and goals. From the very beginning, we both dreamed of making a positive impact in our communities. Our vision was to plant trees and change the world.

When I embarked on my PhD journey in 2023, Manielle stood by me, cheering me on and checking in whenever she could. I have been struggling with acquiring funding, after sharing that with her, she took it upon herself to help. This JustGiving-page is a testament to this.

Now, we are reaching out to ask for your support. Every investment in my following steps is welcome.