Few leaders embody compassion, innovation, and impact as profoundly as Lumbie Mlambo. An award-winning social impact entrepreneur and humanitarian visionary, Lumbie has dedicated her life to transforming access to clean water, sanitation, and opportunity for underserved communities across Africa. Her nomination for the Social Impact Champion Award at the Influencer Magazine Awards 2026 celebrates her extraordinary contributions to health equity, climate resilience, and global development.
As the Founder and CEO of JB Dondolo, a nonprofit organization committed to breaking the cycle of poverty through water and sanitation infrastructure, Lumbie has changed the lives of more than 120,000 people. Her sustainable initiatives have provided communities with access to safe, reliable water. restoring dignity, improving health, and unlocking new pathways for education and economic empowerment. Her impact is both measurable and deeply human. In Zimbabwe, women who once walked 18 miles for water now travel almost none, reclaiming their time and freedom. Her work has ensured that girls in rural schools have consistent access to clean water for menstrual hygiene. helping them stay in school and complete their education. During periods of severe drought, Lumbie’s leadership enabled 500 students at Igusi Primary and Secondary Schools to continue their education through the installation of a borehole and water tank system. At the Igusi Clinic, her team’s water filtration system now benefits over 20,000 people, while broader water infrastructure projects in Matobo Hills have strengthened resilience for more than 32,000 residents.
But Lumbie’s work doesn’t stop at immediate relief, it drives sustainable innovation. Through Climate-H₂O, an emerging water technology developed in collaboration with Zwonaka and engineered at the University of Johannesburg’s PEETS, she is pioneering climate-resilient water solutions that will soon be piloted across South Africa in 2026. This groundbreaking project positions her at the forefront of climate-smart water innovation, bridging technology, sustainability, and community impact.
A respected advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Lumbie has become a global voice for equitable progress. She serves as a convenor of Science Summit Sessions at the UN General Assembly, a judge for Africa’s Business Heroes, and an Ambassador for 10×1000 Tech for Inclusion. Her influence spans continents, inspiring leaders and changemakers to build inclusive, resilient systems for the future.
Lumbie’s approach to advocacy is as creative as it is strategic. Through JB Dondolo’s “Music for Water” initiative curated by board member Beatrice Davis, she has harnessed the power of music and storytelling to ignite global action on the water crisis. Collaborating with humanitarian artists Shawna Linzy, Liso Dingwall, Pyrexx Singz, and G Souldier, the initiative released “We Are The Leaders For Clean Water” single authored and produced by Lacey G Turner, a powerful anthem for change that was submitted for GRAMMY consideration. The campaign’s success placed clean water advocacy within mainstream culture, amplifying awareness and mobilizing partnerships across the U.S., Africa, and Europe. Her organization’s work has been spotlighted by CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa, where JB Dondolo’s fusion of culture, technology, and sustainability was praised as a model for modern humanitarianism. Beyond projects, Lumbie continues to mentor youth and startups, guiding the next generation of changemakers through leadership programs, SDG-focused initiatives, and innovation-driven capacity building.
A true Generation X changemaker, Lumbie Mlambo stands as a beacon of integrity, compassion, and visionary leadership. Her holistic approach. combining humanitarian action, cultural storytelling, and cutting-edge technology. redefines how the world views impact work. Her nomination for the Social Impact Champion Award at IMA 2026 is not just recognition of her achievements. It is a tribute to her unwavering belief that clean water is not a privilege, but a human right. Through her leadership, countless lives have been changed, and a movement for equity, dignity, and sustainability continues to flow forward.
