Thobekile Finger

Thobekile Finger is a respected mental health advocate, author, and youth development leader dedicated to empowering young people across South Africa and the African continent. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked extensively with learners particularly those from rural and underserved communities supporting their transition from high school into higher education and adulthood. Driven by a deep passion for holistic wellbeing, education, and social impact, Thobekile has led and contributed to programmes addressing mental health, gender based violence (GBV), and student resilience, reaching over one million young people. Her leadership extends beyond programme implementation, she has also served as Chairperson of the African Palliative Care Association Board, advocating for compassionate and inclusive care across the continent.

ACADEMICALLY GROUNDED AND PROFESSIONALLY ACCOMPLISHED, SHE HOLDS:

• A Master of Business Administration (MBA) from MANCOSA
• A BPsych Equivalent (Psychology Honours) from the University of the Free State
• A Bachelor of Industrial Psychology from the University of the Free State

Thobekile is also the author of A Mother’s Prayer: The Stuff They Don’t Tell You – The Good, The Bad, and The Caffeine, a book born from a deeply personal and painful moment—the loss of a young student to gender-based violence. That tragedy became a turning point, inspiring her to create a resource that ensures no mother or child walks this journey alone. Through her work, she continues to be a powerful voice for young people, combining science, storytelling, and spirituality to guide students and families through life’s most critical transitions. Her message is simple yet profound: “You are not alone. You are deeply prayed for and you are more ready than you think.”