What does it take for a woman to transform her personal trials into a movement that uplifts thousands? For Nomndeni Sethole Mdakhi, the answer lies in resilience, vision, and a relentless desire to create spaces where women are not only heard but celebrated. Her journey from a small town in KwaZulu-Natal to building one of South Africa’s most influential platforms for women proves that success is not only about ambition—it is also about purpose. Today, as the founder of Agenda Women, she stands as a voice of clarity in the noise, showing women that their stories, challenges, and dreams matter.
Her beginnings were humble yet deeply formative. Born in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, Mdakhi grew up far from the glittering lights of Johannesburg, but her determination to reach beyond her environment was evident from an early age. After matriculating in 2000, she left her hometown with big aspirations, relocating to Johannesburg in 2001 to further her education. At the University of Johannesburg—then known as WITS Technikon—she pursued a diploma in Marketing Management, equipping herself with the knowledge which later enhanced her corporate and entrepreneurial ventures. The foundation she built during this period was more than academic; it was also personal growth, sharpening her ability to adapt, communicate, and connect across different spaces.
Her entry into the professional world came through the corporate sector, where she worked at industry giants such as MultiChoice and Discovery Health. In these roles, she gained valuable insight into organizational systems, customer relations, and the demands of building sustainable structures. For many, this would have been a satisfying career path, offering stability and prestige. But for Mdakhi, there was a persistent feeling that she was meant to create something larger—something that did not just serve clients but also transformed communities. This sense of calling became the spark that pushed her into entrepreneurship.
In 2009, she answered that call by co-founding Fuse Academy with DJ Zinhle, a first-of-its-kind deejaying school dedicated to women. At a time when the entertainment industry was heavily male-dominated, the academy gave aspiring female DJs access to skills training, mentorship, and opportunities to carve out their own space in music. Fuse Academy was more than just a school; it was a statement of intent, proving that women could compete and excel in industries that had long excluded them. Building on that momentum, she launched Edits Communications in 2011, a branding and communications agency that focused on youth and female-centered audiences. This venture reflected her sharp instincts for cultural trends and her ability to connect brands with real people, especially women navigating modern life.
Yet, even with these accomplishments, Mdakhi’s journey was not without personal trials. In 2016, after a major life transition, she found herself at a crossroads, searching for spaces where women could have authentic conversations about life, work, and growth. Realizing that such spaces were rare, she decided to create one. This gave birth to Edits Talk, a platform where women could share their experiences and build connections. Over time, Edits Talk evolved into Agenda Women, a multifaceted digital and community platform that provides women with mentorship, resources, and tools for personal and professional development. What started as a response to her own need for community has since grown into a movement that empowers thousands.
Today, Agenda Women stands as a thriving ecosystem of empowerment. Through carefully curated digital content, live events, and networking opportunities, it bridges the gap between aspiration and achievement for modern women. Mdakhi has ensured that the platform is not just inspirational but practical, addressing real issues such as leadership, wellness, financial literacy, and personal branding. Beyond the platform, she has become a highly sought-after keynote speaker, moderating conversations and delivering insights that challenge women to think bigger, embrace authenticity, and lead with confidence. Her work continues to expand the definition of success, reminding women that personal mastery and professional growth go hand in hand.
Now in her early forties, Mdakhi reflects a journey that embodies resilience and reinvention. From Newcastle to Johannesburg, from corporate offices to global stages, her story proves that setbacks can be transformed into stepping stones and that adversity can ignite vision. For her, entrepreneurship is not just about profit but about solving problems and creating purpose-driven change. With Agenda Women, she is building more than a business; she is creating a legacy—one that challenges women across Africa to dream boldly, live authentically, and claim their rightful place at the center of change.
