Sibiya hopes to see youth inspired, motivated and educated

nter and Kuzondlula-Motivational-Talk founder, Mr Vuyolethu Elvis Sibiya’s desire is to see the youth of Tembisa, Ivory Park and the surrounding areas inspired, motivated and educated.

Mr Sibiya, who is an inspirational speaker and television personality best-known for hosting Youth Talk Show on GNF TV, an SABC programme, was raised by a single mother.

Mr Sibiya was deeply inspired by the large number of young drop-outs, teenage pregnancy and the increasing usage of drugs around Ivory Park, where he lived.

“I only do this to help and grow the youth of Tembisa, to change them from being negative to positive. Young people get discouraged by their family background or abuse suffered. In my motivational talks, I address young people to know that every situation comes and passes. There is nothing that is impossible or which could be a problem forever. People should learn to deal with a situation in a positive manner and seek advice if it is more difficult,” said Mr Sibiya.

Mr Sibiya was born in Pongola, northern KwaZulu-Natal, in an area called KwaKhiphunyawo. He was born in 1991.

His father left without a trace when Mr Sibiya was a year old.

Mr Sibiya attended Qambushilo Primary School in KwaKhiphunyawo and proceeded to study at Ponelopele Oracle Secondary School in Kaalfontein, where he matriculated in 2010.

Mr Sibiya’s mother, and two of his sisters, died in 2002. His circumstances changed with the loss of the breadwinner in the house and he had to go and live with his aunt.

Mr Sibiya was forced to move from Piet Retief to Ivory Park, which is where his aunt stayed.

In 2007, while in grade 10, Mr Sibiya started doing motivational tours at schools where the first guest speaker in his motivational tour was the SA singer/choreographer/actor and television personality, Somizi Mhlongo.

Later in 2008, Sibiya encountered some difficulties when his aunt lost her job. One of the problems he faced was failing grade 11.

Consequently, finances became a burden.

Despite failing grade 11, Mr Sibiya persisted and did not lose hope.

He finally completed his grade 12 the following year, under intense hardship.

After completing his matric, life became even worse where he lived.

Mr Sibiya had to move from a home to stay in the back room of his pastor, where he used to fellowship.

With the help of his pastor, Mrs Sarah and Mr John Mokoena, he received the opportunity to study journalism at Birnam Business College in Johannesburg.

In 2009, Sibiya received the opportunity to go abroad, and visited countries like Spain, Kenya, Brazil, Florida and Las Vegas (USA), Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Swaziland and Ghana.

In 2013, he started his organisation called Kuzondlula Motivational Tour, with Pastor John Laybon Mkhatshawa.

The duo travelled all over the world, visiting various institutions to motivate youngsters.. They also featured various celebrities, like Pastor Solly Mahlangu, DJ Sbu, Jonathan Butler, Hugh Masikela, Twasa from Jam Ally, the SABC’s COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng, and Shanduka CEO Phuti Mahanyele, to name but a few.

Mr Sibiya has entered the South African Men of the Year Awards and he is appealing for the community to vote for him.

Those willing to vote for Mr Sibiya can SMS “YouthGP Vuyolethu Sibiya” to 34818.