Nkazimulo Dlamini, also known as Nqe, has dedicated his career to rural development, beginning as an intern at the INR in 1992. Over the years, he has emerged as a seasoned expert, actively involved in a diverse array of rural development initiatives. Dlamini’s expertise spans stakeholder engagement, project facilitation, research, curriculum development, training and mentoring. His contributions have been particularly impactful in infrastructure development programs, where he has focused on improving rural community water supply and sanitation, establishing communal irrigation gardens, and supporting the ongoing N2 road upgrades and hydropower development in uMzimkhulu.

Additionally, Dlamini has played a pivotal role in driving broad-based local economic development initiatives. These initiatives provide financial and entrepreneurship education to a wide range of stakeholders, including emerging contractors, small-holder farmers, informal traders, timber contractors, and village-based microenterprises. Dlamini is also recognized for his efforts to integrate community-based microfinance practices into the microenterprise development agenda. In collaboration with the INR team, he is exploring alternative approaches to promoting green enterprises in catchment communities and leveraging the indigenous stokvel practice as an alternative financing mechanism for village-based microenterprises.

Dlamini’s commitment to rural development is further evidenced by his pursuit of a PhD in adult education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Dlamini currently serves as the chairman of the Lima Rural Development Foundation and has previously served as a member of the board of the International Federation of the Red Cross, as well as the president of the South African Red Cross Society.