Civil Society Unmuted Coalition South Africa

Cynthia Chishimba - National Chairperson

Cynthia Chishimba is a seasoned Community Development Practitioner and civil society leader whose career spans commercial banking, broadcasting, and over two decades in the NGO sector. She currently serves as the National Chairperson of the Civil Society Unmuted Coalition South Africa (CSUCSA), a national platform committed to strengthening democratic participation and inclusive development through a district-based model rooted in grassroots voice and action.

Her leadership expertise covers civic organising, youth empowerment, public health education, STEM coordination, electoral reform, and private sector community investment. She has coordinated multiple STEM, Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), and CSI community projects, and led national civil society election programmes in collaboration with Kagiso Trust, KZNCC, and CSUCSA. In 2024, she successfully oversaw the deployment of over 50 civil society election observers across the North West Province.

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Ndodana Hadebe - National Deputy Chairman

Ndodana Hadebe is a dedicated community leader and advocate for social justice in South Africa. As National Deputy Chairman of Civil Society Unmuted Coalition SA, he amplifies marginalized voices and promotes inclusive growth. As Provincial Chairman of TECSA Western Cape, he empowers local businesses and drives economic development in townships.

Ndodana is also Secretary of Woodstock Residents Association, Reclaim the City Community Leader, former Homeless Action Coalition (HAC) member, Board Chairman of Cape Provinces Foundation NPO, and Founder of Ndoxy Group Pty Ltd. He champions affordable housing, community development, and economic empowerment, creating opportunities and fostering growth in marginalized communities.

Ntlabile Elias Mokwana - National Treasurer

Ntlabile Elias Mokwana is a Civil rights activist and the Secretary of Mokwana Tribal Council. A founding member and Coordinator of Save SA Smelters Campaign,a non profit company advocating for the reopening of Smelters in South Africa and the imposing of tax levy on exportation of raw materials. A founding member of Construction Investment and Development Initiative of South Africa (CIDISA) Mr Mokwana is involved in humanitarian aid programs in Mpumalanga,Limpopo,Swaziland and Mozambique. He is also the National Treasurer of Civil Society Unmuted Coalition-SA (CSUC-SA) an umbrella body of Non Profit Organizations in South Africa.

Mr Mokwana is a member in good standing of NAFCOC and serves as its Secretary under Thaba Chweu Local Municipality and he is the Executive Director of Bakwena Global Solutions a company with interests in Agriculture,Energy, Security and Construction. He holds a Diploma in Business Management and currently studying towards a Bachelor of Arts in Disaster and Safety Management.

Dladla Mokeki - National Secretary General

Dladla Mokeki is seasoned Human Rights, Gender Activist and also the civil society leader within the Social Justice Movement He currently serves as the Secretary General of the Civil Society Unmuted Coalition South Africa (CSUCSA), a national platform committed to strengthening democratic participation and inclusive development through a district-based model rooted in grassroots voice and action.

He is the current CEO and Senior Paralegal Officer of Hennenman Victim Empowerment Forum which is based in Matjhabeng Municipality within Lejweleputswa district in the Free State province. He also serves as the current Provincial Secretary of Community Advice Office South Africa – CAOSA and within the National Council structure of CAOSA. He is also the Human Rights Ambassador for South African Human Rights Commission within the Free State province.

Bandile Mdlalose - National Deputy Secretary General

Bandile Mdlalose is a South African community activist and civil society leader known for her advocacy for the rights of marginalised communities, particularly those living in informal settlements. She previously served as the General Secretary of Abahlali baseMjondolo, one of South Africa’s largest shack dwellers’ movements, where she played a key role in mobilising communities around issues of land, housing, and social justice. Mdlalose is currently the Deputy Secretary General of the Civil Society Unmuted Coalition South Africa (CSUCSA).

In 2022, she participated in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), where she contributed to international solidarity efforts focused on human rights, peacebuilding, and justice. Her activism has focused on challenging inequality, advocating for equitable access to land and housing, and promoting grassroots democracy. Over the years, she has been recognised for her leadership and impact, including being listed in the Mail & Guardian Book of Women (2012) and named among South Africa’s Top 20 inspirational youth in 2013.

Mdlalose continues to be a strong voice for social justice, amplifying the lived experiences of underserved communities and advocating for inclusive and accountable governance.

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