PHOLA Psychosocial Organisation

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PHOLA is a psychosocial organisation founded by Psychologist and Narrative Therapist Ncazelo Ncube- Mlilo to address trauma and mental health problems.Harnessing cultural strengths to promote recovery and healing

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29/04/2026

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28/04/2026

We are proud to celebrate our Founder and Executive Director, Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo, on winning the Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Impact Award (GOLD) at the Women Changing the World Global Awards 2026.

This global recognition, among over 1,500 nominations from 97 countries, affirms the power of culturally grounded mental health work and the importance of storytelling in healing and restoring dignity.

At Phola Mzansi Social Enterprise, we remain committed to providing accessible, trauma-informed psychosocial support to communities, schools, and organizations. This milestone is not only a celebration of leadership, but of the communities we walk alongside every day.

23/04/2026

Congratulations to the Phola Executive Director, Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo, on winning two global awards at the Women Changing the World Awards 2026. With ninety-seven countries participating, Ncazelo Mlilo won Gold in the Cultural Diversity and Inclusion category and Silver in Women in Therapy and Counseling Services.🎉🎉💃💃

We extend our gratitude to the University of Johannesburg and Devoted Citizen for inviting Phola Psychosocial Organisat...
20/04/2026

We extend our gratitude to the University of Johannesburg and Devoted Citizen for inviting Phola Psychosocial Organisation a non profit entity to the workshop held on 18 April, which provided valuable insights into leadership, financial oversight, and active citizenry. Phola Executive Director, Ncazelo Mlilo, was privileged to showcase the organization's mental wellness programmes and psychosocial support initiatives, primarily focused on schools and communities in Gauteng and beyond, with a global footprint. Phola seeks collaborative partnerships to expand its mental wellness programmes and looks forward to engaging with Principals and school authorities to explore synergies and establish partnerships. We再次 thank Professor Siphamandla Zondi, Dr Tim Hlongwane, and Reverend SC Mathebula for their presentations, which greatly benefited the Phola team. We anticipate future engagements in pursuit of shared goals. — feeling positive in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Healing is not about erasing your story—it’s about reclaiming it.🌿Through narrative therapy, we begin to see ourselves n...
15/04/2026

Healing is not about erasing your story—it’s about reclaiming it.🌿

Through narrative therapy, we begin to see ourselves not as the problem, but as the authors of our lives. In this space, pain is acknowledged, hope is nurtured, and both are honoured as part of the journey toward healing.

Your story matters. Your voice matters. And healing is possible.🤍

Phola tackles mental health challengesMental health has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st centu...
10/04/2026

Phola tackles mental health challenges

Mental health has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, with a marked increase in cases reported globally. In response to this growing crisis, Phola—a non-profit mental health and psychosocial organisation—was established in 2016 to provide targeted interventions. Its core mandate is the delivery of psychosocial support services and counselling to communities and schools across Gauteng and beyond. Since its inception, Phola has significantly expanded its footprint throughout the province.

The organisation is led by its Founder and Executive Director, Ncazelo Mlilo, a renowned educational psychologist and narrative therapist. She has developed a range of innovative methodologies aimed at addressing mental health challenges. Among these is the flagship “Tree of Life” methodology, which is currently utilised in over forty countries across Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa. Additional methodologies include COURRAGE, OUTTRAGED, and Narrative in a Suitcase, all of which contribute to strengthening resilience and psychosocial wellbeing.

Recent data highlights the severity of the mental health crisis within the education sector. According to local media reports, at least 60 educators in Gauteng cited mental health challenges as a reason for early retirement between 2023 and 2024, while 1,599 teachers across South Africa exited the profession early due to ill health and stress during the same period. The Gauteng Department of Education further reported that 261 teachers retired on medical grounds between 2023 and 2024, with 60 of these cases linked directly to mental health concerns.

Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, has raised significant concern regarding the escalating mental health crisis among educators. Key contributing factors include overcrowded classrooms, learner indiscipline, and increasing levels of school-based violence.

These challenges have led to a rise in absenteeism and early retirement. Teacher absenteeism has increased from 4.9% to 5.4%, while total leave days rose by 11.5%, amounting to approximately 850,436 leave days taken in Gauteng in the past year, compared to 762,000 in 2023. Notably, temporary incapacity leave—primarily associated with illness—has increased by 43%, underscoring the growing strain on educators.

Chiloane noted clear indicators of stress and burnout within the system, emphasising that many teachers are suffering in silence. Echoing these concerns, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in Gauteng has identified violence, bullying, and overcrowding as critical factors undermining effective classroom management and contributing to heightened stress levels among teachers.

Compounding the issue is the limited institutional recognition of mental health as a legitimate and visible condition. In many instances, when teachers are absent due to depression or other mental health challenges, substitute educators are not deployed, further exacerbating the strain on the education system.

This context underscores the urgent need for comprehensive, innovative, and scalable psychosocial interventions—such as those provided by Phola—to support educator wellbeing and strengthen the resilience of the education sector.

On 27 March 2026, the Women Changing the World Awards – South Africa Region convened a powerful collective of women lead...
09/04/2026

On 27 March 2026, the Women Changing the World Awards – South Africa Region convened a powerful collective of women leaders, innovators, and community changemakers whose work continues to shape the social and economic landscape of South Africa.

As part of a global initiative, the awards recognise women who are making meaningful contributions across sectors including education, healthcare, social development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Within the South African context, this regional platform plays a critical role in ensuring that both visible and often unrecognised contributions are acknowledged and elevated.

The significance of such a platform extends beyond celebration. It lies in its ability to create visibility, foster connection, and strengthen networks of women who are driving change within complex and often under-resourced environments. Many of the women represented at the event are leading initiatives at grassroots level, addressing systemic challenges and contributing to sustainable community development.

What stood out most was the depth of purpose and commitment reflected in each story shared. These are narratives grounded in resilience, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to impact. They challenge dominant narratives by demonstrating that transformative leadership often emerges from lived experience and community-rooted solutions.

Phola Mzansi's work is deeply aligned with these values. It recognises the importance of creating platforms that not only honour achievement but also amplify voices, particularly those that have historically been marginalised or overlooked.

As we reflect on this event, it becomes clear that recognition is not an endpoint, it is a catalyst. A catalyst for continued growth, collaboration, and investment in women-led initiatives that are actively shaping a more equitable and inclusive future.

The Women Changing the World Awards serve as a reminder that meaningful change is already happening. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that it is seen, supported, and sustained.

Take your practice deeper with globally recognised, trauma-responsive training.Phola International presents the Advanced...
08/04/2026

Take your practice deeper with globally recognised, trauma-responsive training.

Phola International presents the Advanced COURRAGE Training — an immersive two-day workshop rooted in the award-winning Tree of Life and COURRAGE methodologies. Facilitated by Ncazelo Ncube Mlilo, this advanced training is designed for practitioners ready to strengthen their therapeutic skills, refine their practice, and confidently respond to trauma using narrative and experiential approaches.

Participants will engage with the 10 steps of the COURRAGE methodology, explore real project case studies, take part in hands-on experiential learning, and create their own COURRAGE photo storybooks. This training is ideal for professionals working in mental health, education, community development, and social impact spaces who want to create meaningful, sustainable change.

🎓 Certificate of participation provided
📅 Multiple 2026 dates available on the flyer
⏳ Two-day intensive training
💡 Global, results-driven approach to healing and impact

Step into a space of learning, courage, and transformation — and expand the way you support others. ✨

Prevention begins with conversation, reflection, and responsibility.The O.U.T.T.R.A.G.E.D Methodology is a collective na...
08/04/2026

Prevention begins with conversation, reflection, and responsibility.

The O.U.T.T.R.A.G.E.D Methodology is a collective narrative therapy framework designed to engage men and boys in meaningful dialogue around violence and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention. This training equips practitioners, educators, and community workers with tools to facilitate awareness, support behaviour change, and nurture non-violent, values-driven identities.

Through guided reflection and experiential learning, participants are supported to strengthen personal agency, challenge anger- and violence-dominated narratives, and step into roles as community champions and agents of social justice.

Join Phola International in advancing trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches to GBV prevention — and be part of creating safer, more accountable communities.

🎓 Certificate of participation provided
📅 Multiple 2026 dates available on the flyer

Begin your journey with a globally award-winning healing methodology.Phola International invites practitioners, educator...
08/04/2026

Begin your journey with a globally award-winning healing methodology.

Phola International invites practitioners, educators, and community workers to Level 1: Introduction to the Tree of Life — a powerful, culturally grounded training facilitated by Ncazelo Ncube Mlilo, co-founder of the Tree of Life approach.

This 7-hour immersive workshop introduces the history and foundations of the Tree of Life methodology, the narrative ideas that shape it, and the Imbeleko approach. Through experiential learning, participants will explore the four key parts of the methodology and gain practical tools to support individuals and communities affected by trauma.

Whether you are new to narrative practices or seeking to strengthen your trauma-responsive work, this training offers a solid, inspiring foundation.

🎓 Certificate of participation available
📅 Multiple 2026 dates
⏰ 10AM–5PM (London time)
🌍 Internationally recognised training

Step into learning that restores dignity, builds resilience, and expands your impact.💚

Understanding autism starts with awareness—and grows through acceptance 💙Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a...
02/04/2026

Understanding autism starts with awareness—and grows through acceptance 💙

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact, and experience the world. Every person on the spectrum is unique, with their own strengths, needs, and ways of navigating life.

At Phola, we believe in shifting the narrative—from misunderstanding to compassion, from stigma to inclusion. By educating ourselves and others, we can create spaces where neurodiverse individuals feel seen, respected, and supported.

Let’s continue to learn, listen, and lead with empathy.🤍

Address

Johannesburg
2162

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:30 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:30 - 16:30
Thursday 08:30 - 16:30
Friday 08:30 - 16:30
Saturday 09:00 - 14:00

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