Keynote Topics
In October 2016, Lorna Mlonzi’s life changed forever. As an innocent bystander in a gang-related shootout in Nyanga, she was struck by nine bullets piercing her body and altering her journey in an instant. Yet from unimaginable pain and trauma, Lorna rose with extraordinary courage, refusing to be defined by violence or victimhood.
Her keynote shines a light on the power of resilience, the strength of human will, and the choice to rebuild a life filled with hope, purpose, and impact. Through her deeply personal story, Lorna inspires audiences to confront adversity head-on, reframe their mindset, and become architects of their own future.
Actionable Takeaway Message:
No matter how devastating the circumstances, you have the power to rise, rebuild, and reclaim your story. True strength is not the absence of pain — it is the decision to stand tall in the face of it, to transform wounds into wisdom, and to turn survival into a powerful source of leadership and change.
Lorna Mlonzi is an entrepreneur who builds digital infrastructure and services aimed at narrowing the digital divide. As founder of an ISP and founder-level leader in projects focused on township and rural connectivity, Lorna’s work centers on delivering affordable, reliable internet to communities that have been underserved by mainstream providers.
She blends technical understanding with community-first product design, making commercial models that also deliver social impact. On stage, Lorna explains the business case for inclusion, how to design sustainable pricing and service models, and how partnerships between government, NGOs and private sector can accelerate access.
Her talks are practical, focusing on how to pilot, measure and scale connectivity initiatives so they benefit residents and local economies. Event organizers book Lorna when they need a speaker who can bridge boardroom strategy with operational roll-outs that actually work in the field.
Lorna Mlonzi is a visionary leader and the Founder and CEO of Sky Internet SA (Pty) Ltd, an innovative Internet Service Provider start-up committed to bridging the digital divide. With a profound mission to transform the lives of individuals in townships, lower income areas, and rural areas, Lorna established Sky Internet SA to make a meaningful impact on South Africa’s digital landscape.
Lorna Mlonzi’s journey as an entrepreneur and social advocate has been defined by her unwavering commitment to leveraging technology for societal advancement. Drawing from her personal experiences and observations, Lorna recognized the profound implications of the digital divide on marginalized communities. Her vision for Sky Internet SA was born out of a deep-seated desire to democratize access to the internet and empower individuals with the tools to thrive in the digital age.
With a background in technology and business management, Lorna Mlonzi brings a wealth of expertise to the forefront of discussions on digital inclusion and socio-economic development. Graduating with honors in Computer Science from the University of Cape Town, she honed her skills in network infrastructure and software development before venturing into entrepreneurship.
Lorna’s ability to distill complex concepts into relatable narratives makes her a sought-after thought leader in the fields of technology and social entrepreneurship. Her talks inspire audiences to rethink conventional approaches to digital inclusion and embrace innovative strategies for driving societal change. As a black woman and a product of the township, Lorna understands first-hand the transformative power of connectivity and how access to the internet can change lives both professionally and personally.
She believes that internet access is a crucial tool for transformation and aims to use her company as a vehicle for change. Under Lorna’s leadership, Sky Internet SA is changing the narrative of how we view our circumstances, spaces, and ourselves. Through innovative solutions and a commitment to social impact, the company is striving to become a powerful agent of change in South Africa. Lorna’s vision, passion, and commitment are inspiring others to think differently about the role of technology in shaping our future.
On a sunny day in October 2016, Lorna Mlonzi, was shot nine times near her home in Nyanga. The bullets flew into her stomach, side and chest. “There is a lot of gangsterism in Nyanga,” says Lorna, “It was me being at the wrong place at the wrong time. During that incident, four people died on the scene. I was a bystander. I was walking past while people were shooting each other.” “I felt a burning sensation in my body.
Blood was coming out. The guns were not stopping. It was chaos. I can see people dead. I could see blood everywhere.” “I thought to myself, okay, so what happens now?” Lorna had just enough money in her wallet to hire a taxi to take her to ICU. She passed out on the way to Mitchells Plain hospital. The taxi driver thought she was dead so he pushed her out of the vehicle. “I woke up, and thought ‘great, I’m here’ – then I passed out again.” Lorna Mlonzi woke up three days later in hospital, with the nursing staff wondering how on Earth she had survived.
As a speaker, Lorna captivates audiences with her impassioned storytelling and profound insights into the intersection of technology and social impact. Her speaking engagements span a diverse range of platforms, from international conferences to grassroots community events.
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