23/08/2026
Congratulations SHEbiz31 Woman.
I am Khululiwe Mtshali, a passionate social worker, community practitioner, leader and the founder and Director of Ekuleni Kwenhliziyo Community Development Project (EKCDP),
a registered non-profit organisation established in 2019.
My journey in community service began long before I became a qualified social worker. I developed a deep love for serving my community from an early age, growing up in a community where I witnessed the challenges faced by individuals and families. In 1998, I began volunteering at Zola TB Clinic, Family Planning, Khululeka HIV Clinic and Child Health Clinic. I became actively involved in community health initiatives, including Expanded Programme on Immunisation campaigns for children in local day-care centres and pre-schools.
I was also trained as a Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) supporter, assisting TB clients with taking their medication and tracing those who defaulted on treatment. In 2001, my commitment to community care led me to the South African Red Cross Society in Rockville, where I volunteered to provide care to people who were sick in their homes. I was trained as a Home-Based Carer in HIV/AIDS, TB, STIs, First Aid and chronic illnesses.
In 2006, I became a TB and HIV facilitator, supporting caregivers and communities on the ground. I also played an active role in organising World TB Day activities, bringing together young people, caregivers, community members and other stakeholders to raise awareness about TB.
In 2008, I was given the opportunity to serve as a Gauteng Department of Health Supervisor, working with facilitators, caregivers and volunteers and compiling reports for the Department of Health. This experience strengthened my leadership, coordination and community development skills.
My passion for helping people encouraged me to further my education. I began my Social Work studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2010. In 2012, I joined Lifeline South Africa National Office, where I worked as an HIV/AIDS and Stop Gender Violence Counsellor while continuing my studies.
During my practical training as a student social worker at the Johannesburg Institute of Social Services (J**S), I became involved in organising and coordinating the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. This gave me the opportunity to work with a range of stakeholders, including Lifeline SA, POWA, NISSA, Sonke Gender Justice, Ikhaya Lethu, the Child Protection Unit, Lenasia SAPS and JMPD.
I completed my studies in June 2018, graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work from UNISA. I continue to strengthen my professional knowledge and skills through workshops, conferences and Continued Professional Development (CPD), in line with the requirements of the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
My years of experience have shaped me into a social worker and community practitioner who believes strongly in serving people with dignity, empathy and without judgement. I consider myself a noble, humble, hardworking and selfless person, but above all, I see community work as a calling.
I believe that people need safe spaces where they can speak, be heard and express themselves without fear of being judged. When people are given such spaces, they are often able to recognise their own strengths, discover their potential and begin taking steps towards positive change. This belief strongly influences the way I work with individuals, families, groups and communities.
In 2019, I founded Ekuleni Kwenhliziyo Community Development Project (EKCDP), an organisation dedicated to addressing social ills within communities by looking beyond the immediate problem and working towards understanding and addressing its root causes. Our work includes addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), supporting vulnerable individuals and families, responding to emerging community needs and ensuring that no one is left behind.
EKCDP serves communities and surrounding areas, including through our branch in Orange Farm, where we provide the same commitment to community-based support and development.
Through EKCDP, I continue to work with individuals, couples, families, groups and communities. My work includes counselling, trauma debriefing, presentations, community dialogues, referrals, report writing, stakeholder engagement and the supervision and development of student social workers, social auxiliary workers and counsellors.
At present, one of my key areas of focus is schools, where I work to support learners and teachers with mental health and psychosocial matters. I believe that the wellbeing of learners and educators is fundamental to creating healthy learning environments and stronger communities.
My commitment to health and wellbeing also extends beyond my professional work. I serve as a Health, Safety & Security Convener at my church, where I advocate for the health and wellbeing of women of all ages. Through workshops and awareness programmes, I create opportunities for women to learn, engage, ask questions and become more informed about matters affecting their health and wellbeing.
My journey has always been about people. Whether I am working in a school, a family, a community, a church or through EKCDP, my purpose remains the same: to listen, to serve, to empower and to create spaces where people can find their voice and realise their potential.
I lead not simply because I have been given a position, but because I believe in leading through service. My vision is to continue building stronger individuals, healthier families and resilient communities where everyone has an opportunity to be heard, supported and empowered.
I am guided by my calling, driven by empathy and committed to leaving no one behind.
