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Nonkululeko Mlaba: The Proteas’ Left-Arm Spin Force Ready to Shine for Jamaica Empress

Nonkululeko Mlaba has established herself as one of South Africa’s most dependable spin bowlers, combining accuracy, control and the ability to build pressure on opposition batters.


Born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on 27 June 2000, Mlaba made her international debut for the Proteas Women in a T20I against India in September 2019. She has since gone on to represent South Africa across T20Is, ODIs and Tests, becoming an important part of the national team’s bowling attack.

A decorated international career

Mlaba’s rise has been marked by several significant achievements. She was named CSA Women’s Newcomer of the Year in 2020, while her performances at international level have continued to earn recognition.

One of her standout achievements came during the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where she played a key role in South Africa’s run to the final and finished among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers.

Her Test career has also produced a historic milestone. Mlaba became the first South African woman to claim a 10-wicket haul in a Test match, achieving the feat against England in December 2024. Her consistency was further recognised at the CSA Professional Awards, where she was named Women’s T20 International Player of the Year and Women’s Players’ Player of the Year.

Name: Nonkululeko Mlaba

Date of Birth: 27 June 2000

Age: 26

Place of Birth: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Role: Bowler

Batting: Right-handed

Bowling: Slow left-arm orthodox

International debut: 2019

A new Caribbean chapter

In 2026, Mlaba added another exciting chapter to her career after being selected by the newly established Jamaica Empress for the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).

The signing gives the South African left-arm spinner an opportunity to showcase her skills in a new franchise environment and contribute to Jamaica Empress’ inaugural WCPL campaign. SABC Sport confirmed her signing in August 2026, with Mlaba set to link up with her new teammates in Barbados.

For Jamaica Empress, Mlaba brings valuable international experience and a proven ability to control the middle overs. For the Proteas star, the WCPL represents another opportunity to test herself against some of the world’s best players. During the first game Nonku had a brilliant start as she took 2 wickets and conceded just 17 runs in 4 overs,  

Writer: Jabulile Mabena

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