For some people, a career is just a means to earn a living. For Lisa Nqandela, it is a calling deeply rooted in her upbringing and passion for people. Growing up in a rural area where opportunities were scarce, Lisa witnessed firsthand the social issues that communities faced daily. Rather than letting these challenges limit her, she made a decision: she would be part of the solution. Today, as a Social Investment Analyst, she works to create programmes that transform lives, uplift communities, and provide opportunities for growth. Her journey is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering commitment to social development.
Academic Foundations in Social Development
Lisa’s academic journey began with a BA in Humanities, followed by an Honours degree in Development Studies. While many young people may shy away from Humanities degrees due to career uncertainty, Lisa embraced her studies wholeheartedly, motivated by her desire to “fix” social problems. For her, this field offered a path to make real change in people’s lives.
Looking back, she says she would absolutely choose the same career again. The fulfilment of seeing individuals and families improve their lives through a single well-implemented programme keeps her motivated. But if she could advise her younger self, she would stress the importance of staying up-to-date with job market trends, starting volunteer work early, and building practical experience while studying. These steps, she says, would have made her transition into the world of work much smoother.
A Career in Social Development
Lisa’s role as a Social Investment Analyst goes beyond paperwork and meetings—it is people-centered work that balances analysis with compassion. Her responsibilities range from drafting recommendation papers, reports, and proposals to engaging with community members and potential partners. She highlights that the field requires strong communication skills, critical thinking, and above all, compassion.
Interestingly, one thing outsiders may not realize about social development work is just how much reading and writing it involves. From reports to evaluations, documentation is central to ensuring that programmes are not only well-structured but also sustainable. What surprised Lisa most when she started was the gap she observed between organizational processes and the realities of communities on the ground—a reminder that social investment must always remain rooted in context.
Challenges and Rewards of the Work
Working in social development comes with its fair share of challenges. For Lisa, one of the hardest parts of her job is turning down proposals from organizations doing excellent work due to limited funding. Yet, the rewards outweigh the difficulties. Seeing programmes achieve success indicators and positively impact communities beyond the project timeline makes the effort worthwhile.
She recalls a career setback after COVID-19 when she took on a role outside her field. While it felt like a detour, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise—giving her financial skills that now enrich her current role. This experience reinforced her belief that sometimes setbacks can be disguised stepping stones.
Looking ahead, Lisa is determined to document and tell the stories of the programmes she works on, ensuring that their impact is visible long after implementation.
Personal and Financial Reflections
On a personal level, Lisa believes her 10-year-old self—or at least her 10-year-old nephew—would think her career is “cool.” After all, to him, she already seems like someone who heals the world. If money were no object, she would dedicate herself to bringing art to rural schools, believing in the power of imagination, creativity, and expression in helping young people discover their abilities.
When it comes to financial wisdom, Lisa is grounded in principles that she believes every young person should learn early: respect money, fulfil your debts, live within your means, and always extend a hand to those with less than you.
A Human-Centred Future
Lisa Zizipho Nqandela’s story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and purpose in shaping a meaningful career. Her work reminds us that while technology and AI may advance, there are roles—especially in community development—that will always require a human touch. In a field where compassion meets strategy, Lisa continues to create pathways for communities to thrive, ensuring that her vision of a more equitable world becomes a lived reality for many.
