This Women's Day, Community Chest Durban celebrates the women whose leadership and dedication continue to strengthen the non-profit sector and the communities it serves. Among them is Zama Masondo, Deputy Director at Community Chest Durban, whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to social development, good governance, and community empowerment.
Zama holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the University of Limpopo and a Master's Degree in Social Sciences from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where her research focused on gender-based issues. She began her career in the non-profit sector before joining the Department of Social Development in 2006. During her 17 years with the department, she worked in youth justice, child protection, foster care, and the Victim Empowerment Programme. Her experience also included monitoring and evaluating gender-based violence shelters, supporting non-profit organisations, facilitating capacity-building initiatives, and serving as Assistant Director and District Coordinator in the Ilembe District.
In March 2023, Zama joined Community Chest Durban after many years of admiring the organisation's role in supporting non-profit organisations. She recognised the important contribution Community Chest makes by strengthening organisations that provide essential services to vulnerable communities. Her extensive experience in monitoring and evaluation provided an opportunity to contribute to the organisation's commitment to accountability, governance, and sustainable impact.
As Deputy Director, Zama's primary focus is monitoring and evaluation across Community Chest's funded partners. She conducts governance assessments using the National Proficiency Index Tool, facilitates capacity-building initiatives, evaluates funding applications, reviews financial reports, and carries out site visits to ensure funded organisations remain aligned with their objectives. She also works closely with colleagues across the organisation and provides governance updates to the Board.
The aspect of her work that she enjoys most is seeing organisations strengthen their governance and compliance while making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they serve. Knowing that effective oversight helps safeguard donor funding and supports sustainable community impact gives her a strong sense of purpose.
Outside of work, Zama enjoys participating in local walking events, watching television series, and reading literature. She is also a proud mother to Amahle, who is completing her final year of a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, and Mpumelelo, who is in Grade 9.
Zama draws daily inspiration from Maya Angelou's words: "You will face many defeats in your life, but never let yourself be defeated." This message reflects the resilience and determination that have guided her throughout her career and continue to inspire her commitment to serving communities with purpose.
This Women's Day, Community Chest Durban proudly celebrates Zama Masondo and her contribution to building stronger organisations and creating lasting impact across the communities we serve.