Candice Mama is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and activist whose life story is a lesson in resilience, reconciliation, and restorative leadership. Born and raised in South Africa, she survived profound personal loss during apartheid and made the deliberate choice of forgiveness over retaliation.
Candice has shared stages with global leaders and thought figures, and her journey is the basis of the acclaimed documentary “It’s A Pleasure To Meet You.” She teaches audiences that forgiveness is not passive; it is a pragmatic leadership practice that rebuilds trust, restores relationships, and unlocks productivity.
Her talks combine moving personal story, research-backed frameworks, and clear, replicable steps that leaders and teams can apply immediately. Candice’s work has been honored internationally, including recognition among Vogue’s most inspiring women and accolades from global institutions for her contribution to peace and reconciliation.
Event organizers book Candice when they need a keynote that creates emotional impact and leaves audiences with actionable tools to lead with more humanity and effectiveness.
Candice Mama is recognized globally for her remarkable journey and impactful contributions. Her indomitable spirit has earned her a place among Vogue Magazine’s esteemed list of the top 33 most inspiring women in the world, standing shoulder to shoulder with icons such as Nicole Kidman, Michelle Obama, and Malala.
Notably, she has been honored as one of the Top 20 African Women by the African Union and the United Nations for her pivotal role in fostering peace in Africa, a distinction presented by UN Secretary General António Guterres and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg. The profound narrative of her life, encapsulated in the acclaimed documentary “It’s A Pleasure to Meet You,” co-starring Siyah Mgoduka, earned widespread acclaim and was showcased at the prestigious Louis Vuitton Foundation.
Candice Mama’s journey is marked by resilience, forgiveness, and a relentless pursuit of peace and healing. Born and raised in South Africa, she emerged from the shadows of a painful past to become a beacon of hope for countless individuals worldwide. Enduring the tragic loss of her father, Glenack Masilo Mama, at the hands of Eugene de Kock, a notorious apartheid assassin, Candice embarked on a transformative journey of forgiveness and reconciliation. Her profound commitment to forgiveness as a catalyst for healing and reconciliation has led her to become a sought-after speaker, author, and advocate for peace and social justice.
Through her remarkable journey and impassioned advocacy, she has touched the hearts and minds of countless individuals worldwide, inspiring them to confront adversity with grace and compassion. As a speaker, author, and advocate, Candice continues to challenge and uplift audiences, fostering dialogue, understanding, and healing. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Candice Mama talks range from redefining forgiveness, self-leadership, diversity inclusion, women’s empowerment and crafting inner resilience. Having been recognised as Vogue’s most inspiring woman and Top twenty African women by the United Nations she is a highly sought after international speaker.
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In this emotional and thought-provoking 5-minute video, Candice Mama recounts her personal journey of facing the man who murdered her father during South Africa’s apartheid era. Rather than choosing anger and bitterness, Candice describes how she found the strength to forgive — transforming her pain into a powerful message of healing, compassion, and humanity.
She explains that forgiveness is not about excusing harm, but about freeing oneself from the weight of hatred and reclaiming inner peace. Her story illustrates the courage it takes to confront trauma, the resilience needed to overcome generational wounds, and the power of empathy to bridge divides.
Delivered with raw authenticity and vulnerability, this talk exemplifies Candice’s role as a global voice for peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It resonates far beyond her personal story, offering universal lessons for audiences seeking to heal, grow, and lead with compassion.
Yes. She integrates leadership and organizational contexts into her presentations.
Yes. Candice is available for in-person, hybrid, and virtual events.
Forgiveness, self-leadership, diversity, resilience, and women’s empowerment.
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