Zintle Khobeni De Lange

My work and advocacy efforts are driven by a deep commitment to social justice, equity, and empowerment. I believe in the transformative power of community and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices. As a survivor and advocate, I am dedicated to addressing issues of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), promoting Community Legal Empowerment.
My personal philosophy is rooted in the idea that everyone deserves to live with dignity, free from violence and discrimination. I am passionate about creating safe spaces for healing, providing resources for legal and social support, and fostering inclusive policies that protect and uplift all individuals. I strive to be a compassionate and resilient leader, using my experiences and knowledge to guide my advocacy.
I believe that meaningful change comes from collective action, education, and the courage to challenge systemic injustices. My goal is to inspire others to join the fight for a more equitable world, where every person can thrive and exercise their rights fully. Through my work, I aim to build a future where justice,
respect, and equality are not just ideals, but realities for all.

Background:
I have a background in fundraising, with experience spanning both non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and a political party. In my work with NGOs, I have taken on roles that primarily focused on fundraising and development. These positions involved crafting comprehensive fundraising strategies, identifying and securing funding sources, and building relationships with donors, foundations, and other stakeholders.
I have successfully organized campaigns, events, and grant applications, which have led to significant financial support for various initiatives, including social justice, education, and healthcare programs. My efforts have helped sustain and expand the organizations’ impact, enabling them to serve more communities and address pressing social issues.
In the political arena, I served as a National Head of Fundraising for a political party, where my responsibilities included developing and executing fundraising plans to support party activities and
election campaigns. This role involved engaging with party members, potential donors, and sponsors, as well as organizing fundraising events and initiatives. I worked closely with the party’s youth forum leadership to align fundraising efforts with campaign goals and messaging. My contributions helped secure the necessary resources to fund campaign activities, outreach, and voter engagement efforts.
Across these roles, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to meet and exceed fundraising targets, cultivate strong donor relationships, and effectively communicate the mission and goals of the organizations I represent. My experience in both the NGO sector and the political sphere has given me a well-rounded understanding of fundraising dynamics, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning.
This diverse experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in fundraising, particularly in contexts where mission-driven work and advocacy intersect. I am passionate about leveraging my skills to support meaningful causes and contribute to impactful change.

Areas of expertise:

• GBVF Prevention and response
• Leadership & Strategic thinking
• Quantitative Research
• Fundraising Campaign Management
• Writing & Communications (Social & Traditional Media Marketing)
• Non-Profit Management
• Organizational & People Development
• Project Management
• Monitoring & Evaluation
• Community Development & Advocacy

Current Projects:

One of my primary projects is a comprehensive support and awareness campaign targeting GBVF. This initiative involves a multi-faceted approach:
Support Services: We provide essential services to survivors, including access to counselling, legal aid, and emergency shelters. The initiative collaborates with local NGOs and service providers to ensure that survivors receive holistic support tailored to their needs.

Awareness and Education: We conduct workshops and community outreach programs to educate the public about the signs of GBVF, how to seek help, and the importance of bystander intervention. The campaign also includes a social media component to reach a broader audience and spread awareness.

Advocacy for Policy Change: We work closely with policymakers to advocate for stronger legal protections and support systems for GBVF survivors. This includes lobbying for improved funding for shelters, better training for law enforcement, and more stringent penalties for perpetrators.

The Community Legal Empowerment Project focuses on providing legal education and resources to marginalized communities, with a particular emphasis on women’s rights and access to justice. We also organize workshops that educate community members about their legal rights, especially in relation to GBVF, property rights, and family law. These workshops aim to demystify legal processes and empower individuals to take legal action when necessary.

Paralegal Aid Services & Legal Aid Clinics: In partnership with local law firms, institutions of higher learning and legal aid organizations, we offer free legal consultations and representation to those who cannot afford it. This service is particularly crucial for survivors of GBVF and other vulnerable groups.

Community Advocates Training: We train community advocates who can provide ongoing support and guidance to their peers. These advocates serve as liaisons between the community and legal professionals, helping to bridge the gap and ensure that legal resources are accessible.

The overarching goal of these projects is to create safer, more equitable communities where individuals are aware of their rights and have the support they need to exercise them. By addressing GBVF, advocating for gender-inclusive policies, and empowering communities legally, we aim to foster a culture of respect, equality, and justice. These initiatives not only provide immediate support and resources but also work towards long-term systemic change

Affiliations:
GBVF Warriors Collective
Sisonke Sex Workers Movement
New Heritage Foundation
Qhakaza Disability Group
Silent Rights