Zintsomi - Midrand - South Africa

Zintsomi was born from the creative vision of Nomsa Mdlalose, a true trailblazer in the world of storytelling. Its mission is bold and transformative: to professionalise storytelling, expand opportunities for emerging talent, and elevate African voices so they resonate both locally and internationally.

As a vibrant storytelling hub, Zintsomi discovers, trains, and supports storytellers who aspire to build careers in the creative arts. It also develops storytelling experiences and products for children and adults eager to explore the richness of African narratives.

At the heart of this vision is Dr. Nomsa Mdlalose—folklorist, researcher, writer, storyteller, and social entrepreneur. A published author of children’s books, academic articles, and poetry, she brings over 20 years of expertise in storytelling, creative writing, and publishing. She holds a Master’s Degree in Storytelling from Tennessee State University and a Doctorate in Folklore from Wits University, specialising in African oral literature and linguistics. Dr. Mdlalose is also the co-founder of the Kwesukela Storytelling Academy, a cornerstone institution in the professionalisation of storytelling in Southern Africa.

Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2015 Imbokodo Award for her contribution to the promotion of African languages and storytelling. She has served on the literature panel of the National Arts Council of South Africa, the Freedom Park Council, and currently sits on the board of the Southern African Folklore Society.

Dr. Mdlalose’s deep cultural insight is rooted in the teachings of her mother, S’bongile Dlamini, who is gifted in African spirituality and healing.

At its core, Zintsomi is where African stories become art, profession, and legacy. It is a platform that trains leaders, nurtures careers, and keeps the continent’s storytelling tradition alive—projecting it into the future with passion and excellence.