Nombulelo Khanyile was born in Kroonstad, South Africa in 1951. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Fort Hare, and in 2005 obtained an MBA specialising in Tourism. After graduating she worked with Initiatives of Change in several countries including UK, USA, Canada, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Nombulelo worked for a spell as Research Officer for Mobil Foundation, as well as a Student Advisor for Vista University.