Tendai Chisirimunhu Kathemba
2024-2025 Obama Foundation Africa Leader
Founder, AbantuLives
South Africa
Tendai Chisirimunhu Kathemba is the founder of AbantuLives, a think tank focused on enhancing psychological wellbeing through African Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Committed to addressing mental health from a decolonial perspective, Tendai’s work is deeply rooted in the lived experiences of South Africans and Africans. She has facilitated mental health sessions, presented on rural public mental health in South Africa, and used films and documentaries to shift narratives around brain health and the importance of prioritizing mental health. Tendai believes in collaboration, healthy community structures, and strong networks for transformative change and optimal thriving. Passionate about enhancing the wellbeing of Africans beyond solely Western modalities of care, Tendai integrates knowledge systems that are ethically appropriate and locally based.
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Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi
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