By Sitha Maliwa
Ncazelo Mlilo, an esteemed Narrative Therapist and Psychosocial Specialist based in Johannesburg, has been nominated for two prestigious awards at the Women Changing the World Awards. Known as the “Grammy Awards” for women making exceptional contributions globally, these awards honour women across various sectors such as business, leadership, health, education, innovation, and sustainability.
Ncazelo is nominated for the following categories:
- People’s Choice Award for Non-Profit and Social Enterprise
- Women in Therapy and Counselling Services Award
These nominations are a significant recognition of her pioneering work in mental health, specifically her development of Afrocentric, culturally sensitive narrative methodologies. Her efforts have empowered individuals and communities across the world, particularly those affected by trauma, HIV/AIDS, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and poverty.
Ncazelo’s approach to mental health interventions is deeply rooted in cultural awareness. She believes that mental health support should be tailored to the unique needs of individuals based on their cultural backgrounds. “It’s crucial that psychosocial mental health interventions incorporate people’s cultural knowledge, as individuals rely on their cultural background to interpret their lives and seek healing,” says Ncazelo. This perspective has guided her groundbreaking work, focusing on methods that prioritize the importance of community, environment, and cultural identity in the healing process.
Ncazelo is perhaps best known for co-developing the Tree of Life (ToL) methodology, which is now used in over 60 countries around the world, including the USA, Brazil, India, and Australia. The ToL methodology is a narrative therapy tool that helps individuals reframe their personal stories and find meaning in their experiences, particularly in the context of trauma. This approach has had a profound impact on children, youth, women, families, and communities.
In addition to the Tree of Life, Ncazelo has developed other methodologies, such as COURRAGE and O.U.T.R.R.A.G.E.D., aimed at preventing GBV and promoting social justice. These approaches provide individuals with tools to build resilience, prevent violence, and foster empowerment in their communities.
Throughout her 25-year career, Ncazelo has reached over 100,000 people and trained more than 1,000 mental health practitioners annually. She is also a sought-after keynote speaker at international conferences, including the Trust’s Collective Narrative Practices Conference and the Narrative Therapy Centre Conference. Her work is endorsed by global institutions, including the Dulwich Centre Foundation in Australia and the NHS Foundation Trust in the UK.
The Women Changing the World Awards celebrate outstanding women who make an extraordinary impact in various fields. The awards ceremony will be held during the Women Changing the World Summit in London, UK, on April 2–3, 2025. Ncazelo’s nominations highlight her outstanding contributions to mental health, social justice, and empowerment. – @NewsSA_Online