Born Lucy Twala in Johannesburg, she was educated at the Inanda Seminary School before becoming a teacher.
She married McKenzie Mvubelo, but in 1942 left teaching to earn higher pay in a clothing factory.
Instead, the NUCW joined the Trade Union Council of South Africa (TUCSA), and Mvubelo became one of the first black women to serve on its executive.
It was able to rejoin the TUCSA in 1972, but that year, Mvubelo received significant criticism for not keeping clear financial records.
She served on the management committee of the United States-South African Leader Exchange Program, and chaired Women for Peace.