Sibusiso Gwala has been elected as the new chairperson of Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education (MACE), marking a major milestone in the higher-education sector of South Africa.

Renowned for his fundraising expertise and strategic vision, this excellent fundraiser is set to lead the organisation in elevating professional standards and fostering collaboration among universities and TVET colleges nationwide.

Born in Umzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, Gwala was raised by his mother until her passing when he was 15. After her death, his two aunts stepped in to support him and his older sister, instilling in him resilience, empathy, and a lifelong commitment to helping others. Today, he is a husband and a devoted father of three, balancing family life with his demanding professional responsibilities.

Gwala’s career in higher education spans over 15 years, focusing on research project management, grant management, and advancement. As a senior fundraising specialist at the North-West University (NWU), he conceptualised the first-ever Giving Week at the NWU, raising crucial funds to support students with outstanding fees and who were working on key research projects. His ability to cultivate donor relationships and unlock resources has positioned the NWU as a model of strategic and impactful fundraising.

“Fundraising is more than securing money; it is about creating opportunities that transform students’ lives,” Gwala says. His leadership philosophy, “accountable compassion”, blends integrity, precision, and empathy – values shaped by both his upbringing and his professional journey.

Beyond the NWU, Gwala has been a key contributor to MACE, first as a board member and now as chairperson. In this role, he will oversee governance, set national standards, and advocate for advancement practitioners to have a seat at the table in higher-education leadership. He aims to position MACE not just as an awards body, but as a strategic partner driving institutional growth and student success.

Outside his professional life, Gwala pursues a PhD on university students’ entrepreneurial intentions and has business interests in agriculture. He plans to retire at 50 to focus full-time on entrepreneurship, while continuing to mentor the next generation of leaders.

As the new MACE chairperson, Gwala brings fundraising expertise, personal resilience, and strategic vision to the national stage, shaping the future of higher education in South Africa, one student and one relationship at a time.