Sibusiso Sgwane

Sibusiso Sgwane is an Inspirational Speaker, Social Entrepreneur, Chevening Scholar, Leadership Speaker, African Union's 2016 Summit Youth Delegate, and an MSc International Development at the University of Birmingham in the UK. He formerly worked as a Business Communication and Media Studies Lecturer. He firmly believes that education is the most powerful tool which can be used to change the world for the better. Sibusiso currently holds a BA Journalism degree and BA Politics (Honours) from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Apart from being an active academic, Sibusiso is passionate about uplifting other people’s lives hence in January 2014 he founded a non-profit organisation called Dream for Life Africa (DLA). Dream for Life Africa is aimed at uplifting disadvantaged African communities by empowering the youth and children. The organisation empowers the youth through a monthly mentorship programme for tertiary students; career guidance for Grade 9-12 learners; entrepreneurial development, online tutoring; and information sharing whereby regular updates on opportunities such as work, internships, and scholarships are provided on the organisation’s facebook page. The organisation has partnered with some of South Africa's major academic institutions like the University of Johannesburg and Wits in running the mentorship programme which connects students with well experienced industry professionals, who inspire, guide, advice, and motivate them.
The 32-year old social entrepreneur is also a member and one of the content writers for the Cheesekids for Humanity organisation which focuses on amongst others: community engagements through renovations of disadvantaged schools, soup kitchen feeding schemes, as well as other social programmes like youth mentorship, examination preparation for disadvantaged students, used clothing collection and distribution programmes, and transfer of artisan skills like gardening and irrigation to unemployed youths. The organisation is also known for the Nelson Mandela Day celebrated worldwide.
Sibusiso is also passionate about youth and politics and has been featured in a number of media organisations as a political/social commentator. He has been featured in media such as BBC News, BBC’s Radio 4, SABC 1’s Shift show, Power FM, Radio 2000, and the Star Newspaper where he worked as a news contributor. In 2013, he was selected by the Executive Mayor as one of the delegates that represented the City of Johannesburg at the One Young World in recognition of his immense contribution in poverty alleviation. Lastly, he has been actively involved in various South African forums that focus on youth empowerment and one of them is the 2014 Presidential Youth Indaba where he was selected to attend as a delegate. This Youth Summit which aimed at finding solutions to some of the pressing challenges faced by the South African youth was organised and attended by President Jacob Zuma and his Cabinet.