Nozuko Hlwatika worked as an economic development manager at the National Economic Development and Labour Council in South Africa where she managed processes and social dialogue pertaining to legislation, policies, regulations, and emerging issues concerning economic development. She is a 2022 Mandela Washington Fellow, a program established by President Barack Obama in 2014 for young African leaders undertaking impactful work. She is a 2022 Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leader, a program for young leaders who have demonstrated leadership and initiative in their fields and who aim to shape the regional and global agenda in politics. She is also a 2022 Public Service Fellow at Futurelect, program designed for young ethical individuals from the Southern African Development Community who wish to become leaders in public service. Nozuko holds a master's degree in public administration and is currently a political science Ph.D student at Wayne State University majoring in public policy.