OUR FOUNDER
"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."
Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo – Founder & CEO of PHOLA
PHOLA is the brainchild of Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo, an internationally renowned narrative therapist, psychosocial specialist, and advocate for mental wellness. With a career spanning over 25 years, Ncazelo has dedicated herself to developing culturally responsive mental health interventions, ensuring that psychosocial support is accessible and meaningful for low-income communities, particularly in South Africa.
A Vision for Healing and Social Change
Throughout her career, Ncazelo has worked extensively with children, youth, women, and families, addressing issues such as HIV and AIDS, poverty, substance abuse, gender-based violence (GBV), and trauma. She was deeply concerned by the rising rates of violent crimes committed by children, bullying in schools, teenage pregnancies, and violence against women and girls.
Research highlights that unresolved childhood trauma is a significant risk factor for mental health disorders and a driver of violence. Recognizing the urgent need for school and community-based psychosocial support, Ncazelo took action. Her advocacy aligns with the voices of children at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, who have consistently called for accessible mental health services, particularly in hard-to-reach rural communities.
BIOGRAPHY: A Global Leader in Narrative Therapy
Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo is a highly respected psychologist, narrative therapist, and social justice advocate whose work has impacted over 100,000 people worldwide each year. She is the creator of the globally recognized Tree of Life (ToL) methodology, which empowers individuals to heal from trauma through culturally grounded, strengths-based approaches.
Her work challenges Western-centric mental health models, advocating for the inclusion of indigenous knowledge and healing practices. By integrating local narratives, cultural symbols, and community-led support, she promotes mental resilience while restoring agency, dignity, and identity among Black and ethnic minority communities.
Leading PHOLA’s Mental Health & Trauma Interventions
As the founder of PHOLA, Ncazelo leads mental health advocacy, trauma counseling, and capacity-building programs that transform communities across South Africa and beyond. Through initiatives such as:
- COURRAGE – A trauma-healing model for survivors of violence and abuse.
- OUTRRAGED – Supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
- Narratives in the Suitcase Project – A storytelling-based intervention for individuals affected by forced migration, displacement, and trauma.
A sought-after trainer, speaker, and mental health consultant, Ncazelo partners with global universities, NGOs, and corporate wellness programs to advance culturally responsive psychosocial methodologies. Her pioneering work in decolonizing therapy continues to shape mental health, social work, and trauma-informed care worldwide.
