Once teetering on the edge of depression, Nsema Hoka has emerged as a beacon of transformation and resilience—a local girl from Waa Location who turned her pain into purpose. Today, she stands tall as the founder and director of Wahapahapa Waste Management CBO, leading a team of volunteers who proudly call her “Madam Boss.” This is her story—a tale of grit, hope, and unstoppable determination.
In early 2020, Nsema was a shadow of herself. Overwhelmed by personal struggles (that remain her own to share), she was stressed, traumatized, and dangerously close to depression. She was one of 15 vulnerable women identified by the #SharedFutures Program under the Kombani Ladies Maskani initiative, a project designed to uplift and empower women over an 18-month transformation journey.
The foundation of this journey? A groundbreaking 12-week mental health program built on the Kumekucha trauma healing and resilience framework. Through wellness, community care, and relational well-being sessions, Nsema embarked on a profound path of self-discovery, emotional intelligence, and inner peace. By the end of 2020, her testimony of recovery and newfound strength was a beacon of hope for many. (Watch her testimony here: Nsema’s Story)
Her transformation didn’t stop there. Early in 2021, SambaSports Youth Agenda recognized Nsema’s potential and welcomed her as an administrative assistant. This role became her launchpad, where she nurtured her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. While working, she reignited her passion for theater arts—acting, singing, and dancing—and began laying the groundwork for her community initiative, Wahapahapa Waste Management CBO.
With humble beginnings, Nsema and her growing team of volunteers began cleaning Zote Beach in Waa. Their efforts quickly expanded to markets, businesses, and even households, creating ripples of change within the community. Her dedication earned her a seat at the table for every climate justice event in the region, culminating in June 2024 when her CBO shone as a top exhibitor at the Diani Beach Zero Plastic Festival.
This recognition catapulted Nsema into the spotlight, securing her a nomination to contest for the Fazil Chinoy Fellowship, a prestigious three-year program empowering local changemakers. Although she initially placed third, fate had other plans. A second-place winner chose to pursue a study scholarship abroad, opening the door for Nsema to claim her rightful spot.
Fast forward to today, and Nsema is just four months into her 36-month fellowship. With the support of SambaSports Youth Agenda and the fellowship’s resources, she now leads her organization from a fully equipped two-bedroom office space, complete with a reception area and kitchen. Her work in climate justice and community wellness is transforming Kombani Township, one initiative at a time, and inspiring countless others to believe in the power of change.
Nsema Hoka’s journey is far from over. It’s a story of triumph over adversity, of turning hopelessness into action, and of building a brighter future for herself and her community. Let her story light the way for others, proving that with faith, resilience, and a little support, the most extraordinary transformations are possible.
Congratulations, Nsema. Your story is a masterpiece of hope, grit, and success, destined to inspire generations to come.
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