Hombakazi Mercy Nqandeka is an agriculturalist by training with a BSc in crop and soil science and Honours in Soil science from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. She holds a double master’s degree from the National University of Ireland under the Climate Change Agriculture Food Security program and at SupAgro under the Resources, Agricultural Systems and Development in Montpellier in France. Her masters thesis was done in Uganda collaborating with Makerere University.
She has written three books, ‘The Dissonant Rainbow’ (2019), ‘To my Young Self’ (2020), ‘Don’t upset ooMalume: A guide to stepping up your Xhosa Game” her latest book that has been published Jonathan Ball (2022). This is a picture book that captures Xhosa food, clothes, beads, activities, ceremonies, handcrafts, nature and other cultural aspects.
She is currently enrolled at Stellenbosch for a PhD in Health Sciences focusing on Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Along with that Mercy is also running Homba Crafts, a beading and Xhosa craft making company at Bulungula, Elliotdale. The company creates opportunities for young unemployed women in the area. They incorporate traditional bead styles with modern designs. Their beaded stethoscope has gone viral beading for corporate gifting and individuals.
