JB Dondolo, Inc.

Lumbie Mlambo is a visionary leader, humanitarian, and technology advocate dedicated to advancing clean water access, social equity, and sustainable development across communities in need. As the CEO and Founder of JB Dondolo, Inc., a U.S.-based nonprofit organization named in honor of her late father, she leads initiatives that remove barriers to basic human needs—beginning with access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Lumbie’s work integrates technology, innovation, and community empowerment to create scalable, long-term solutions that uplift underserved populations, particularly women and youth. She is known globally as “The Water Lady”, a title that reflects her commitment to addressing the world’s water crisis through collaboration, advocacy, and storytelling. Her leadership extends beyond philanthropy—she bridges the worlds of technology, social impact, and policy to drive measurable progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Under Lumbie’s leadership, JB Dondolo has transformed from a grassroots movement into an internationally recognized organization implementing high-impact water projects in rural communities. One of its flagship initiatives was the successful rehabilitation of the Igusi Hospital water system in Zimbabwe, restoring clean water access for thousands of patients, healthcare workers, and families. The organization continues to expand its efforts, building sustainable water infrastructure, promoting hygiene education, and empowering local communities with tools to maintain their systems long-term. Beyond direct project implementation, JB Dondolo leverages media, music, and youth engagement to amplify awareness and mobilize action. The organization’s #MusicForWater campaign and songs like “We Are the Leaders for Clean Water” inspire a global movement that merges art with advocacy. Through these creative approaches, Lumbie engages diverse audiences—activating social responsibility and encouraging young people to see themselves as agents of change. Lumbie is also the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Hub Lead for Zimbabwe, where she mentors African entrepreneurs and champions inclusive economic growth. Her experience in technology and risk management, combined with her human-centered leadership, makes her a strong advocate for using innovation to solve social challenges. Through partnerships with international organizations, universities, and grassroots movements, Lumbie and JB Dondolo are redefining what sustainable impact looks like—focusing on empowerment over dependency, resilience over relief, and collaboration over competition. Their work embodies the belief that clean water is not just a resource but a foundation for health, dignity, and opportunity. In all her roles, Lumbie remains guided by her mother’s wisdom—“Do good, expect nothing in return.” This philosophy continues to inspire her mission to build a world where everyone, regardless of geography or circumstance, has the right to live with dignity, health, and hope.