Buli Mooi builds stronger communities through empowering women

There’s an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child. For generations, that philosophy has shaped communities where people worked together to ensure the wellbeing of children. It is this same belief that lies at the heart of Umfazi WomXhosa, a movement founded by philanthropist and entrepreneur Bulelani “Buli” Mooi.

The organisation believes that women thrive when they stand together, creating spaces where older women can mentor younger generations while also learning from them in return.

For Mooi, the mission is deeply personal.

Growing up, her parents separated, and she was raised by her father, a priest, and her stepmother. While they provided for her, she struggled with the pain of missing her biological mother while also carrying the weight of societal expectations placed on young Xhosa girls to be perfect and uphold their cultural identity.

One of the defining moments of her life came after matric. Although she dreamed of furthering her studies, her biological mother told her there was no money to pay for tertiary education. Determined to build a future for herself, Mooi took a leap of faith and found part-time work at a restaurant while enrolling to study. 

That decision changed her life. While working, she secured a bursary that enabled her to complete her studies. Looking back, she says the experience taught her how life-changing opportunities, mentorship and community support can be for young people.

As she entered the corporate world, Mooi became increasingly aware of the pressures many young African women face. She noticed that a woman’s worth was often measured by whether she was married, leaving many to feel inadequate if they had not yet found a husband.

That observation inspired her to establish Umfazi WomXhosa, a movement dedicated to restoring a woman’s identity beyond marriage.

“It starts with you,” says Mooi. “You have to do the work on yourself. You have to celebrate your achievements. Your worth is not determined by whether or not you have a ring on your finger.”

Now a wife and mother, Mooi says another important part of rediscovering her purpose has been embracing traditional attire.

Through Umfazi WomXhosa, she proudly promotes Xhosa regalia, wearing it to public engagements and encouraging other women to embrace the beauty and symbolism woven into traditional garments. She believes the clothing tells stories, preserves heritage and instils pride in African identity.

Her distinctive style has also inspired many women across South Africa to celebrate traditional fashion with confidence.

But the organisation’s work extends far beyond cultural preservation.

Umfazi WomXhosa creates safe spaces where women can connect, mentor one another and exchange ideas. Through networking forums and community gatherings, women are encouraged to start businesses, develop practical skills and become financially independent.

For Mooi, true empowerment means equipping women to create opportunities for themselves instead of waiting for someone else to provide them.

As part of Women’s Month celebrations, Umfazi WomXhosa will host one of its Women's Day gathering in Gqeberha. She hosted a media launch in Midrand, Johannesburg recently where she invited influencers. Anti-suicide activist Nkululeko Khanyi was the MC. Although Mooi resides in Johannesburg, she says bringing the event to the Eastern Cape is especially meaningful because it is where her roots run deepest and where Xhosa culture continues to flourish.

Above all, Mooi hopes her life’s work inspires women to love themselves.

She believes confidence begins from within but is reflected in how a woman presents herself to the world.

“When you look good, you feel good,” she says. “And when you feel good, it changes how you carry yourself, how people receive you and how confidently you pursue your purpose.”

Today, Umfazi WomXhosa continues to shape lives across Gauteng and beyond, creating opportunities for women from different backgrounds to connect, support one another and build stronger communities together.

For Mooi, there is enough room for every woman to succeed. Her life’s mission is one of service - to preserve African cultural identity, empower women and remind them that helping another woman fix her crown never diminishes the shine of their own.

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