Finding healing through words: Amanda Nkuna’s journey with SpeechCraft Academy

October marked Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when stories of resilience and healing take centre stage.

Among these is the story of Amanda Nkuna, a young entrepreneur whose belief in the power of words gave rise to SpeechCraft Academy, a platform that has turned communication into both a business and a movement for change.

Founded in 2023, SpeechCraft Academy aimed to equip young people and professionals with practical skills in public speaking, debate, poetry, and communication coaching.

But at its heart, it became something deeper, a space for healing, confidence, and leadership.

“The idea for SpeechCraft came from realising that young people have powerful stories but often lack the confidence or platform to share them,” Nkuna said.

“I wanted to create a space where communication could become a tool for healing and personal growth. That was the seed that grew into the academy,” she added.

Her journey was shaped by her own experience with mental health and self-discovery.

“My journey taught me that silence can be heavy, and expression can be freeing. During periods of self-doubt and anxiety, I found healing through writing, poetry, and mentoring others. SpeechCraft was built with that in mind, to be a safe space where young people can unpack their experiences and transform pain into purpose,” she said. 

Starting an academy at such a young age came with challenges.

“Funding and credibility were the biggest hurdles,” Amanda Nkuna told Business Report. 

“It wasn’t easy convincing partners to believe in the vision. We started small, with one client and limited resources. But with community support and partnerships with schools, we slowly built momentum. Every small win gave us the courage to keep going.”

The academy’s programmes were designed to combine communication training with emotional development.

“Before someone can speak confidently, they have to silence the inner voice that tells them they can’t,” Nkuna said.

Participants are encouraged to write down negative thoughts such as ‘People won’t like what I say’ or ‘I’ll embarrass myself.’ “We unpack those fears together and replace them with affirmations like ‘My ideas matter’ and ‘My voice carries power.’ It’s not just about speaking; it’s about believing in your own voice.”

At first, many dismissed Nkuna’s vision.

“People thought I was unrealistic for wanting to build a business around public speaking,” she recalled.

“But communication is a life skill that opens doors in every field. As people began to see the transformation in our learners, their confidence, clarity, and presence, scepticism turned into support.”

One story that stands out for her is that of a young entrepreneur who once burst into tears every time she had to speak in public.

“Earlier this year, she confidently delivered a speech about her business at a major event. Watching her overcome that fear was such a wholesome moment, it brought me to tears,” Amanda said.

SpeechCraft has since grown into a social enterprise.

Corporate training programmes fund the academy’s community work through the SpeechCraft Academy Foundation, which runs book clubs, life skills training, entrepreneurship workshops, and career guidance initiatives for youth.

“Purpose and profit go hand in hand,”Nkuna said.

“That balance allows us to grow sustainably while giving back.”

For her, public speaking and debate are more than just communication tools, they are leadership training.

“Entrepreneurs who can communicate their vision clearly are more likely to inspire others,” she said.

“Debate teaches young people to think critically, respect differing views, and find solutions, all essential leadership skills.”

Nkuna’s vision for SpeechCraft is ambitious.

“We want to establish SpeechCraft clubs in every province and eventually across Africa,” she said.

“Our goal is to build a network of articulate, empathetic young leaders. By 2026, we plan to employ 50 young facilitators to teach public speaking on our online platform.”

Her definition of success goes beyond business growth.

“Success is transformation,” she said.

“It’s when a shy learner becomes a confident leader or when someone finds purpose through their voice.”

Some of SpeechCraft’s participants have already achieved national recognition, including learners who won the National Schools Moot Court and National Debate for Road Safety competitions.

“To see our participants dominate on national stages means the world to me,” she said.

As South Africa continues to grapple with the pressures of youth unemployment and mental health challenges, Nkuna believes communication is part of the solution.

“You are not alone, and your voice matters,” she said. “Healing starts with being brave enough to speak. There is power in vulnerability and hope in every story shared.”

SpeechCraft has changed Nkuna as much as it has transformed those she teaches.

“It has stretched me beyond my comfort zone and taught me patience and resilience,” she reflected. “As a woman, I have learned that nurturing and leadership are not opposites — they coexist beautifully. Every young person I work with reminds me to keep growing too.”

For Amanda, SpeechCraft is more than a business. It is a calling.

“Knowing that our work helps young people find their voices and believe in themselves again is one of the greatest honours of my life,” she said. “When we pour into others, we find our own purpose renewed.”

BUSINESS REPORT