Biography

Executive Director Social Justice Foundation | Founder & Chair, Mzati Initiative | Co-founder, Nyasa Rainbow Alliance (NRA)

George Hopkins Kachimanga is a progressive human rights advocate and the founding Executive Director of Social Justice Foundation, a pioneering organization addressing the social justice needs of the LGBTIQ+ community in Malawi.

Leadership and Advocacy: As the Chair of Mzati Initiative, George spearheads a network of queer-led, queer-competent, and ally organizations dedicated to empowering marginalized communities in Malawi. He is also a co-founder of Rainbow Rights Education and Awareness (RREA), commonly known as Nyasa Rainbow Alliance (NRA), an LGBTIQ+ led organization.

Professional Journey: Prior to establishing the Social Justice Foundation, George served as the Program and Operations Manager for RREA from 2019 until May 2023. During his tenure, he successfully managed the first Key Population Investment Fund (KPIF) project funded by PEPFAR/USAID/FHI360 in Malawi, transitioning it into the Epidemic Control (EpiC) project. He also led the EU Out and Proud Cofunded project (2020-2023), which aimed to enhance legislative frameworks in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini.

Educational Background: George holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Malawi School of Government (MSG). He graduated from the University of Malawi, Chancellor College, with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Computer Science (2015) and studied with City and Guilds under the Assessment College of South Africa, earning a postgraduate advanced diploma in teaching, training, facilitation, and assessing learning in 2017. George further honed his skills in Project Management at the Malawi Institute of Management (MIM) in 2018.

Certifications and Training: With various certifications in Project Cycle Management, fundraising, Finance and Administration, Organization Behavior, Leadership, Advocacy and Communication, and Theory of Change, George is well-versed in multifaceted aspects of organizational leadership. He also holds a certification in Human Rights and Strategic Litigation from the Centre of Human Rights at the University of Pretoria.

Contributions Beyond LGBTIQ+ Programming: George's commitment to activism dates to his co-founding of Youth Foundation Trust and Education Centre (YOFTEC) in 2007. His versatile experience includes roles as a secondary school teacher, a research assistant and data analyst with World Vision Malawi, and various positions in academia, including Head of ICT and Director of Programs for Theological Education by Extension in Malawi (TEEM) Development Centre College (TDCC).

Human Rights Advocate: George Kachimanga is renowned for his significant contributions to the Human Rights Movement in Malawi, exemplified through his expertise in LGBTIQ+ programming and unwavering dedication to advocacy work.