Lindiwe Matlali

A South African social entrepreneur who revolutionized food security through innovative waste reduction strategies.

Lindiwe Matlali is a trailblazing South African entrepreneur and founder of FoodForward SA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating hunger and food waste. Born in 1970 in Soweto, her journey began with a deep understanding of systemic inequalities in food distribution. In 2009, she identified a critical gap: while millions of tons of food were discarded annually by retailers, over 14 million South Africans faced food insecurity. This paradox motivated her to establish FoodForward SA, which has since redistributed over 150 million meals to vulnerable communities.

Matlali’s approach combines logistics innovation with community partnerships. The organization collaborates with supermarkets, manufacturers, and farmers to rescue surplus food, which is then distributed through a network of 800+ NGOs and feeding schemes. Her work has not only addressed hunger but also reduced carbon emissions from food waste, aligning with global sustainability goals. In 2022, FoodForward SA expanded its operations to neighboring countries, including Lesotho and Swaziland, showcasing Matlali’s vision of regional impact.

Beyond her practical solutions, Matlali advocates for policy changes. She co-authored the South African Food Loss and Waste Strategy, pushing for corporate accountability in reducing food waste. Her TEDx talk, “Turning Food Waste into Hope,” has inspired global audiences. In 2023, she was named a Skoll Foundation Social Entrepreneur Fellow, recognizing her scalable model for food security.

Matlali’s legacy extends to mentorship. She founded the Siyathemba Leadership Academy, training young Africans in social enterprise. Her philosophy—“Every meal saved is a life transformed”—resonates across sectors, proving that systemic challenges can be tackled with empathy and innovation. Despite her achievements, she remains rooted in grassroots efforts, often visiting distribution centers to ensure beneficiaries receive dignity alongside sustenance.