Mhlongo continues to inspire
He formed the initiative in 2001 when he was still working as a line manager for SABC 1's Simunye Groove and Jam Alley production.
Not many men would consider taking the lead in mentoring young women in the community.
Mr Philly Mhlongo has consistently produced the best, young, talented models with brains from the Tembisa community.
Mr Mhlongo, a founder of the Siyaphumelela Youth Development Initiative, has been grooming and developing young women who would like to make it in the modelling industry.
Several of his products making it in big companies and academic careers are Pearl Modiadie, a producer of Zaziwa which is broadcast on SABC 1, Refiloe Motsei, a Jozi FM and Soweto TV presenter, Happy Mohlala, a face of the De Beers Diamond Group and Mahlatse Maabane, who is an air hostess in Dubai, to name a few.
Mr Mhlongo said he was inspired by different racial groups who mentor young women in modelling.
He formed the initiative in 2001 when he was still working as a line manager for SABC 1’s Simunye Groove and Jam Alley production.
“By then, I would take Tembisa children to the Jam Alley Beauty Pageant. It was really pleasing to see the children interacting with others. This encouraged me to want to start my own thing that will showcase the talent of young people in Tembisa. I always knew there was talent in Tembisa, it just needed to be unleashed,” said Mr Mhlongo.
“I believe it is by God’s grace that I kept pressing forward, regardless of financial strains to sustain the initiative. When I look back at how I started and compare to where I am today, I am really elated as I have progressed tremendously in this organisation. I am very proud of myself and I think this was a calling for me to make a difference in the Tembisa community,” said Mr Mhlongo.
The Siyaphumelela Youth Development Initiative is a community project that relies on donations for its evolution.
Siyaphumelela project is aimed at benefiting a large number of young people in Tembisa and Ekurhuleni.
Mr Mhlongo advises young women that pregnancy is not a degree.
“I am always encouraging my models to make sure they study and focus more on their education so that one day they will make me proud as independent individuals who continue to inspire others,” said Mr Mhlongo.
