Nonhlanhla Cynthia Mhlongo is a globally recognised green innovator and the co-founder of Khwezi Innovations, a South African startup pioneering eco-friendly hygiene solutions for healthcare, education, and public use. Best known for the ProAct-Layer — a biodegradable 2-in-1 hand sanitiser that forms a protective glove-like film — Nonhlanhla is disrupting the waste-heavy PPE industry with sustainability, science, and heart.
Born in KwaZulu-Natal and currently living in Pretoria, Nonhlanhla was a substitute Mathematics teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic and later pivoted to entrepreneurship. Her innovation has since received international acclaim, earning her spots in:
• SLUSH 2021 (Finland) as one of SA’s Top 4 innovators
• HerMeNow Accelerator 2023 Top 10 Finalists (Africa & MENA)
• Greening the Future Awards 2022 Winner: Sustainable Design
• EY AfroFutureTech Top 5 (2023)
• Top 10 Green Businesses in Africa
• Winner of the “Best of the Best Investors’ Choice” at the YALI RLC-SA Innovation Challenge held in Windhoek, Namibia
She has also represented South Africa in Dubai, Kenya, and Finland, pitching to investors and industry leaders. Through Khwezi Innovations, she provides SDG-aligned training to youth and township entrepreneurs, with support from USAID, AfriLabs, and the Global Startup Awards Africa.
As a featured speaker for the U.S. Embassy, Africa’s Green Economy Summit, and the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute, Nonhlanhla is shaping both discourse and policy around green innovation. Her work in biodiesel conversion, SaaS data capture, and climate literacy positions her as a linchpin of circular economy progress in South Africa.
With bold ideas and grounded impact, Nonhlanhla Mhlongo is proving that Africa’s future is not only green — it’s already growing.
