Julia Zingu does not talk about “a career.” She talks about people.
She started out as a young social worker in the 1970s, working with children and families in the NGO sector long before governance frameworks and funding models became boardroom language.
“Those years teach you quickly what matters,” she says. “You see the real impact of decisions on real lives.”
Over the decades, her journey took her far beyond one office or one city. She has led national organisations, worked internationally, and advised major development programmes.
At the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital Trust, she once helped lead a campaign to raise R18 million for a trauma unit. They raised R36 million instead. “That happened because people believed in the cause and in each other,” she reflects.
She has presented globally on work with street children, served in leadership at Save the Children UK (South Africa programme), and contributed at policy level through the South African Council for Social Service Professions. But when asked what stands out, she doesn’t list titles. She talks about trust. Teams. Courage. And governance.
Why governance matters
“NGOs don’t belong to themselves,” Julia says. “They carry public trust.”
For her, responsible governance is simple in principle, even if complex in practice:
• Every cent must be used for its intended purpose.
• Every decision must align with the mission.
• Every board member must understand their legal and ethical duty.
She is direct about board service. “It’s not a decorative position. You are accountable – financially, legally and morally.”
New board members often arrive full of passion. Julia smiles at that. “Passion is good. But in your first months, listen. Learn the culture. Understand the financial realities. Don’t try to fix what you don’t yet understand.”
Even after serving for quite a few years on the Badisa Management board, she says the scale of more than 134 programmes still humbles her. “You never stop learning.”
Fundraising in an AI world? It’s still human.
Julia has spent years fundraising. She has seen trends come and go. Digital platforms. Data modelling. AI.
“Technology helps us work smarter,” she says. “But it cannot build trust.”
A handshake. A conversation after an event. A donor deciding to leave a bequest in their will. “Those are deeply human moments,” she explains. “No algorithm creates that kind of confidence.”
Fundraising, in her view, is everyone’s job from frontline staff to board members. “We are ambassadors. We open doors. We tell the story with honesty.”
Why Badisa matters
Julia believes organisations like Badisa remain essential in South Africa. Economic pressure is rising. Communities are stretched. The need for ethical, values-driven service is not shrinking.
“Badisa is rooted in community,” she says. “It is close to where people live and struggle. That proximity matters.”
For anyone considering board service, her advice is clear:
• Understand the responsibility.
• Shift from ‘doing’ to ensuring it gets done.
• Commit for the long term.
“It’s challenging work,” she says. “But if you care about impact, there is nothing more meaningful.”
After decades in social development, Julia Zingu still believes in one simple principle: start by listening and serving with integrity.
