Mayda Mapondera

C.E.O. & Co-Founder
Catalyst Foundation

We would like to introduce to you and for you to get to know our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder of the Catalyst Foundation, a little bit more.

Mayda was involved in the healthcare sector for numerous years. Currently, she is a ‘Clinical Advisor’ for the Catalyst Care Group, where she ensures that there is a consistently high standard of service that is being applied and maintained through the company’s quality assurance programme, amongst other duties and responsibilities. Alongside this role of hers, in 2021, she became the CEO of the Catalyst Foundation.

We asked Mayda to share with us more information about herself and her experiences so far as part of the Catalyst Foundation:

“I absolutely love children, I am ‘that aunty’ that everyone comes to for anything. I am in my element when I am around children, and this passion of mine is one of the reasons for the birth of the Catalyst Foundation – S.H.E Programme. It is my desire to make an impact, by focusing on girl-child empowerment in Africa.

Seeing the S.H.E Programme grow, witnessing the difference and impact that the Catalyst Foundation has made in the lives of our beneficiaries has been overwhelming, yet exciting and fulfilling. We have girls aspiring to be pilots, teachers, doctors and entrepreneurs among other professions. 

Initially, when you have a vision, you have an idea of how you would like it to come to life, but then to see it actually happening right before my eyes has been inspiring and very emotional. From setting up our first Programme in the Tsholotsho district in Zimbabwe in 2021, to see it now expand into Zambia in 2023, and then into other countries across Africa in the near future, keeps myself and my incredible Team motivated to continue working hard to empower our beneficiaries.

It has been wonderful working with my Team, where I have been privileged to meet like-minded people who also share the same values as myself, in terms of changing lives through women and girl-child empowerment. Some of our beneficiaries’ stories are really heart wrenching, but when you see how resilient they are, regardless of the challenges that they are facing, one can’t help but stop and ponder.

There have been so many memorable moments so far, whilst working alongside our beneficiaries. My most vivid memory was watching Jaya (first beneficiary) grow up and do extremely well in her studies at school, and has now gone onto university. She works tremendously hard in everything that she does and she is focused on achieving her goals. Jaya truly is an inspiration to the other girls who are part of the S.H.E Programme. 

What I am most excited about the Catalyst Foundation’s future, is the impact that we will be continuing to make in the rural communities that we work and will work with in the future. We are looking forward to forming meaningful partnerships with stakeholders, partners and donors, which will assist us in ensuring the long-term holistic support provided to our beneficiaries.

You are minutes away from transforming a girl’s life!

Imagine a girl, uncertain of her next meal, with a future clouded by hunger and a lack of education. Your generosity can change that.

By supporting Catalyst Foundation, you will provide more than just food hampers and clothing. You will empower a girl to dream beyond survival.  School textbooks and unwavering encouragement will light her path to a brighter tomorrow.

Visit our Impact Stories to witness firsthand how our impact has changed the lives of our beneficiaries to date, thanks to passionate donors like YOU!

With heartfelt gratitude from all of us at Catalyst Foundation, THANK YOU!

Become a Monthly Donor and be the reason why a girl is safely in school.

  • For £11 a month, you can equip a girl with the essential stationery supplies she needs to thrive in her studies for a year.
  • For £15 a month, you can provide a girl with brand new school uniforms and shoes for an entire year, giving her the confidence she deserves.
  • For £20 a month, you can provide a girl with a monthly food hamper for a year, ensuring she receives the adequate nutrition she needs to thrive.
  • For £32 a month, you can keep a girl in school for a year by covering her tuition fees.
  • For £47 a month, you can provide two girls with bicycles, transforming their daily commute to school into a safer and quicker journey.


Empower your giving by choosing a custom donation amount. This flexibility enables you to tailor your support, blending various contributions listed above to create a unique impact. By donating in this way, you will allow Catalyst Foundation to address the specific needs of its beneficiaries with precision, responding to their preferences and urgent requirements.