Nomfundo Clarissa
Nomfundo Clarissa is a radio host of First Impression on Gagasi FM in South Africa. Nomfundo is also a founder of Clarissa Cares which she founded in 2016 under her NPO, Nomfundo Clarissa Foundation. Clarissa Cares is a life skills program tailor made for girls who are in matric, led by a team of inspiring women who visit schools aiming at sharing their knowledge with the younger generation.
She says she wanted to be so many things when she was young, from being an Actress to being a Journalist and a Chemical Engineer but she’s happy to have finally found her way on radio because she is shy and uncomfortable with face to face encounters.
“I love radio because it allows you interact with an audience without seeing them and vice versa, but you still maintain that bond as if you know each other in person,” says Nomfundo. Despite being uncomfortable with face to face encounters, Nomfundo maintains that she is not however, fearful. “I was taught respect, but also I was taught to never to fear anything, it has no reward. I learned a lot from my Grandmother, she is a strong woman with a heart of gold who believes in working hard for what she wants. She is the reason why I’m here and I am blessed to have her on my side,” she says.
“Exposing myself to an environment where I can plant a seed in a young person’s mind is so fulfilling. We second guess ourselves so much and forget that there is someone out there, just waiting for you to share and impart your knowledge & experiences with them. The experience in itself is really overwhelming, but absolutely worth. If I could I’d do this every day” Nomfundo Clarissa.
Clarissa saw the necessity for young ladies to be addressed in these sessions in order for them to be equipped for the world and life ahead of them.
In 2018, the vision is still the same and targeted at a bigger audience. Since inception, the project successfully reached out to over 500 girls in the INK (Inanda, Ntuzuma & Kwa Mashu) area. This year the project has spread out to the southern & western regions of Durban.
Mentors includes incredible and inspirational women; award winning DJ Cndo, fashion blogger Nomfundo Nakin, Mrs South Africa 2016 Finalist Bright Ntuli, Gagasi FM personalities Zisto and Zola Zee lovin and Vuma FM’s Lerato Sokhulu.