Nombulelo Khanyile was born in Kroonstad, South Africa in 1951. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Fort Hare, and in 2005 obtained an MBA specialising in Tourism. After graduating she worked with Initiatives of Change in several countries including UK, USA, Canada, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Nombulelo worked for a spell as Research Officer for Mobil Foundation, as well as a Student Advisor for Vista University. Since 2003, Nombulelo has helped coordinate the Clean Africa Campaign Leadership Training Programme, now known as the Harambee Leadership Training Programme, which aims to to nurture and prepare young people for ethical living and servant leadership in Africa. She is also one of the coordinators of Creators of Peace, and has great interest in reconciliation work and programmes that empower women to be change agents. Since 2007, she has been a member of the African Coordination Group with mandate is to care, listen, support, nurture and coordinate the work of Initiatives of Change in Africa. She was married to Vusi for 21 years, and they have three children, two boys Thulani and Phakade, and a daughter Ndoni.