Inspirational keynote speaker and health and safety advocate
Corporate teams, health organisations, wellness programmes, schools, NGOs and events focused on resilience, wellbeing, personal growth and road safety.
Zoleka Mandela is an inspirational speaker, author and advocate whose life story embodies courage, vulnerability and fierce determination. A granddaughter of Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Zoleka has carved out her own legacy rooted not in lineage but in her unwavering commitment to saving lives and inspiring hope.
Her personal journey has been marked by profound tragedy, including the loss of her daughter Zenani to a drunk-driving incident in 2010 and her son Zenawe in 2011. These heartbreaks unfolded alongside her breast cancer diagnosis in 2012, a battle she courageously documented through her writing, upcoming documentary and public speaking. Zoleka has also overcome addiction and rebuilt her life with honesty and accountability, demonstrating that healing and purpose can emerge from even the darkest chapters.
Today, she uses her platform to champion breast cancer awareness and road safety, driven by a desire to prevent other families from experiencing the pain she endured. Her work reflects a deep sense of social responsibility shaped by the values of her grandparents, yet grounded in her own lived experience and advocacy.
This is a story about a woman; a story about her struggle. As the survivor of great tragedy; this is a story about triumph.
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This 6 minute 18 second interview offers an intimate portrait of Zoleka Mandela’s lived experience, resilience and advocacy work. She begins by addressing the public perception that belonging to the Mandela family insulates one from hardship. Instead, she explains that her surname has simply given her a platform to share her story more widely. The opportunity to speak publicly, publish her book and influence social causes has been magnified by her family legacy, but the pain, trauma and real-life obstacles she has faced remain deeply personal and universal.
She discusses her memoir, When Hope Whispers, describing it as intensely personal and deliberately honest. Through its stories of breast cancer, addiction, childhood trauma and the devastating loss of two children, she intended the book to become a source of hope for others navigating their own adversity. She emphasizes that none of her struggles are unique. Instead, she hopes her transparency encourages others to feel less alone and to believe recovery is possible. She highlights more than three years of sobriety as evidence that change can happen with support, self-awareness and perseverance.
The conversation shifts to grief, where Zoleka explains that losing two children is not something one ever “deals with” in the traditional sense. Rather, she carries the loss daily, choosing to honor her children by living purposefully and advocating for causes they would have loved.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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