From rural village to cruise ships: Rotary story that inspires

Sibusiso Yalo was born and raised in the rural village of Nkothaneni (KwaXolo location) in KwaZulu-Natal, where hardship was a daily reality.

He attended Nontshuntsha Primary School, and from an early age, life taught him resilience.

He walked to school barefoot, often mocked for not having proper clothes or school supplies.

Winters were harsh without warm clothing, and there were many mornings he faced the school day on an empty stomach. Yet, despite all this, he was determined to learn.

His parents showed him love and taught him perseverance.

“My father, though we had little, always gave his best to guide me and support my education,” he said.

After completing primary school, Sibusiso moved on to Mashesha High School.

The struggles didn’t end there – but neither did his dreams.

Mashesha only went up to Grade 10 at the time, so he completed Grades 11 and 12 at Nombuso High School in KwaNzimakwe.

After matric, a new challenge arose: how to pursue tertiary education with no financial resources.

It was during his time at Mashesha that Rotary first visited the school.

“I remembered their presence and thought maybe they can help.”

He made his way to town, searching for their office.

At the Rotary Hall, I met an elderly woman cleaning, and after hearing his story, gave him John Webster’s number.

That call changed his life.

John invited Sibusiso to a meeting at the Rotary Hall. At the meeting that night was the late Dr Pieter van Eeden.

“They listened carefully as I shared my story and my passion to study hospitality and catering services. Dr van Eeden was so moved, he nearly cried. From that moment, a new chapter of my life began.”

Rotary sponsored his studies, and he worked part-time at Mugg & Bean to gain experience.

“I became what they called a Rotary baby. Dr van Eeden and his wife Gill treated me like a son. The entire Rotary family embraced me with warmth, support, and mentorship. On weekends, I helped at the Rotary Flea Market to give back in my own small way.”

After completing his theory, he did in-service training at Hillbillion Hotel, followed by practicals at Protea Hotel Umhlanga in Durban – all with Rotary’s help. “I proudly graduated, with Dr van Eeden and ‘mom’ Gill by my side.”

He later earned a merit certificate in food safety through a FEDHASA and Tourism Department learnership.

From there, he was awarded a bursary to become a qualified skills development facilitator, and completed further training in mentoring and coaching.

His first formal job was with Tshepo Cleaning Company as a hygiene supervisor, managing around 60 employees, but he had bigger dreams still.

In 2017, he applied for a job on a cruise ship, which proved to be another turning point.

He was hired by Norwegian Cruise Line, with his first assignment on the NCL Gateway.

“Suddenly, I was traveling the world and earning in dollars. For the first time, I was able to buy my mother brand new furniture. I felt immense pride. My dream of changing my family’s life was becoming a reality.”

Today, his village sees him as a role model he says he owes it all to Rotary.

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