Through sacrifice and service, Princess Dr. Nikiwe Bam is redefining what it means to lead with humility and purpose on the global stage.

Through sacrifice and service, Princess Dr. Nikiwe Bam is redefining what it means to lead with humility and purpose on the global stage.

In the bustling spaces of global policy, where voices compete for attention and influence, Princess Dr. Nikiwe Bam stands out not only as a leader — but as a woman of resilience, conviction, and deep humanity. As the Founder and Global President of Afrikan Young Indigenous Leaders (AYIL), Lead Facilitator for the C20 Working Group on Cultural Diversity, Recognition and Embracement, and Chief Ambassador of Umoja MaChifu Tanzania, she has carried the aspirations of countless African communities and traditional leaders into international platforms.

The C20 (Civil 20), one of the official engagement groups of the G20, brings together civil society organizations, academics, youth, and Indigenous representatives to ensure that citizens’ voices influence global policy decisions. Within this space, Princess Dr. Bam has been a relentless advocate for the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and cultural recognition across all thematic areas of the C20 and in its official Declaration.

But behind the titles, recognition, and international travels lies a story few people know — one of personal sacrifice, silent struggles, and unwavering faith in a calling greater than herself.

Princess Dr. Bam recalls the intense months spent developing the policy brief — a demanding process that required long hours of writing, consultation, and coordination with partners from different time zones. She smiles softly as she reflects: “There were times I worked in a place without electricity. I still live full time in a place with no electricity, and it has limited my work so much. I often have to do some tasks at school, or when deadlines are near, I use my salary to book a hotel room just to complete and submit important work.”

She adds that she remains deeply grateful to Constitution Hill, which provided office space to Afrikan Indigenous Leaders. “That helped a great deal during this period,” she says. “Just to have access to electricity and water was all that mattered.”

Many assume that being part of the G20 or international forums comes with financial comfort and sponsorship. The reality, she says, is quite the opposite. “People think when you’re working with global institutions you have money. But the truth is, we often sacrifice our own resources — our energy, our time, and sometimes the very money that should be feeding our families — to do this work.”

Balancing her full-time teaching career with her voluntary leadership roles has not been easy. “Sometimes the Department of Education sees my work as just my private organization’s activities,” she explains. “But in every platform, I speak about the reality of our schools — the under-resourced classrooms, the curriculum that needs transformation, and the moral regeneration our society desperately needs.”

Since the passing of her mother, Princess Dr. Bam has shouldered even more responsibility — fully supporting her unemployed sister and nephew while still struggling to pay her daughter’s school fees. Yet, despite these personal challenges, she continues to stand firm in her mission to unite African kingdoms, empower traditional leaders, and advocate for Indigenous voices in global governance.

One of her biggest frustrations, she admits with a smile, has been transportation. “Most of the meetings I attend, I go by Uber or Bolt,” she says. “Sometimes people will offer to walk me to my car after the meeting, and I just laugh because I don’t have one. They often don’t believe me when I say that. Yes, I travel a lot and attend major conferences — but I move around with public transport.”

After a serious car accident, she couldn’t afford to replace her car — but that never stopped her. “People tease me sometimes, saying I’m a Princess who walks and has no money,” she adds. “But I’m not ashamed. I actually enjoy my simple life. I love being among the people, listening to their stories, feeling their reality. And despite everything, people respect me because I’m genuine and down to earth.”

Princess Dr. Bam also takes a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported her along the way. “To everyone who has contributed — whether through financial help, kind words, encouragement, or partnership — I say thank you. Your support has kept the vision alive.”

Reflecting on the sustainability of her organization, she adds, “AYIL can grow and sustain itself if we all believe in the vision and contribute together. But too often, as Black people, we compete instead of collaborating. We undermine rather than uplift one another — and that slows our progress. Imagine how far we could go if we truly supported each other’s dreams.”

Looking ahead, Princess Dr. Nikiwe Bam envisions a future where Afrikan Young Indigenous Leaders (AYIL) becomes a sustainable platform that nurtures young traditional leaders, bridges Indigenous knowledge with modern governance, and strengthens partnerships across kingdoms and global institutions. The goal is not just representation — it is transformation: to ensure that Indigenous systems of governance are respected, funded, and integrated into the global development agenda.

Her vision for the C20 is equally clear and ambitious. “We must ensure that the voices of Indigenous people, women, and youth are not only heard but also acted upon in G20 processes,” she emphasizes. “The future of the C20 should reflect diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration — where policy recommendations are informed by real experiences from the ground.”

For Princess Dr. Bam, the journey continues — one step, one conversation, one act of courage at a time. Her story is not only an inspiration but a call to action: a reminder that true leadership is born in sacrifice, and that unity among Africans is the foundation for global respect and recognition.

“If I stop, the work will stop. This is my calling — to unite African kingdoms and give Indigenous leaders a voice in global spaces.