Jennifer Matibi

Jennifer is a 24-year-old from Hillbrow, Johannesburg. Growing up in a challenging inner-city environment, she witnessed mental health often being ignored. Diagnosed with clinical depression at 14, she began her personal mental health journey. Joining a local boxing gym that emphasized mental well-being inspired her to create programs for youth facing similar struggles. Over the years, she has worked with young people with disabilities and founded Nirvana, an initiative empowering inner-city young women by providing a safe space to grow, heal, and be heard. A member of the SNF Global Center Youth Council in South Africa, she is passionate about problem-solving programs and ensuring underrepresented youth voices are amplified.