Nhlamulo Tlakula, a fintech leader and storyteller, has founded The Grateful Hearts Foundation, a non-profit organisation aimed at training African paediatric cardiac specialists. Tlakula's journey into this work began with a personal experience; her daughter, Bogolo, was diagnosed with a complex congenital heart defect at 27 weeks of pregnancy. Doctors informed Tlakula that her daughter had less than a 25% chance of survival, leading her to consider termination. However, Bogolo has since survived three open-heart surgeries and is now six years old.
Tlakula's background is rooted in a legacy of service. Raised in Johannesburg, she comes from a line of women who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Her grandmother built a school for children living with disabilities, while her mother was one of South Africa's first black female human-rights lawyers. This upbringing has shaped Tlakula's leadership and driven her to make a difference in the lives of others. Based between the US and South Africa, Tlakula has leveraged her skills to establish The Grateful Hearts Foundation.
The foundation's primary objective is to address the disparity in access to specialised care for children with heart defects in Africa. In partnership with Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital, the organisation aims to train African paediatric cardiac specialists, ensuring that a child's survival no longer depends on their geographical location or income. This initiative involves fundraising, writing grant proposals, and working with donors and partners to secure funding for the training of specialists.
The training programme will cover 12 to 24 months of paediatric sub-specialisation, followed by three years of service in South Africa's public and academic hospitals. The cost of training one specialist is approximately R2 million, but the impact will be long-lasting, with the doctor operating on children for 20 to 30 years. To date, Tlakula has secured a partnership with the hospital, registered the foundation as a non-profit organisation with Section 18A status, and received recognition through South Africa's 40 under 40 in 2025 and the Women Impact Alliance.
In March 2026, Tlakula hosted Pelo A Mother's Love, an art exhibition and auction fundraiser with Aspire Art, which raised R300 000 towards training the foundation's first specialist. The event was a significant milestone for the organisation, demonstrating its ability to mobilise resources and support for its cause. Tlakula has also shared the foundation's advocacy on various radio stations, including 702, SAfm, and Kaya FM.
Tlakula's work with The Grateful Hearts Foundation is a testament to her dedication to creating a positive impact. Her leadership and vision have inspired others to join the cause, and the organisation is making progress towards its goal of training African paediatric cardiac specialists. As the foundation continues to grow and develop, it is likely to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families affected by heart defects.
The Grateful Hearts Foundation's initiative has the potential to significantly improve the healthcare landscape in Africa. By addressing the shortage of paediatric cardiac specialists, the organisation can help ensure that children with heart defects receive the care they need, regardless of their background or location. As Tlakula continues to drive this effort, her work will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lives of many.
Key points
- The Grateful Hearts Foundation has partnered with Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital to train African paediatric cardiac specialists.
- The training programme will cover 12 to 24 months of paediatric sub-specialisation, followed by three years of service in South Africa's public and academic hospitals.
- The cost of training one specialist is approximately R2 million, with the doctor operating on children for 20 to 30 years.
