Simontso Transforms Lives in Thulani with Ekasi'ekhaya Program

by: NSUKU KHOSA

image source: supplied

In the place of the Thulani Trust village in Mkhuhlu, a remarkable young man named Simontso Sibuyi is making waves with his dedication to empowering the youth and transforming the educational landscape in his community. At the age of 28, Simontso is the epitome of resilience and community leadership.

Simontso's journey is one marked by challenges, but his determination to make a positive impact on the lives of the youth in his community has set him on a path of inspiration. As the firstborn child of a young mother who couldn’t raise him, Simontso found support and guidance from his aunt. Despite the hardships he faced, he pursued his education at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he studied Industrial Engineering from 2016 to 2019.

The turning point in Simontso's life came when he observed the struggles faced by young people in Thulani Trust, resulting in high school dropouts and a scarcity of graduates in the community. Motivated to make a difference, Simontso founded the Ekasi'ekhaya program, a noble initiative aimed at helping high school students excel in mathematics and science.

image source: Simontso

Breaking barriers, Simontso faced resistance from some who questioned his qualifications as a tutor. However, armed with his determination and personal experiences, he pressed on, driven by the belief that every young person deserved a chance to succeed.

“At high school I had a teacher who used to give me platform to teach my fellow classmates and I’ve started gaining confidence on helping people, so where I came back from tertiary I went to my old high school and volunteer to assist students with maths and science then I decided to start my own program.’’ He spoke. "Work hard until you do not have to introduce yourself in a group of millions," Simontso passionately exclaimed, embodying the spirit of resilience that has fuelled his journey.

Ekasi'ekhaya has become a beacon of hope in Thulani Trust, impacting the lives of over 25 students who have successfully made their way to universities with commendable grades. Simontso's commitment to raising the pass rate in the community has not only resulted in academic success but has also provided a sense of purpose for the youth, redirecting them from the streets towards a brighter future.

Image source: supplied

Simontso's efforts have not gone unnoticed, and he is praised by the community for his selfless dedication. His story serves as an inspiration, proving that one person's determination can indeed bring about positive change in a community.

As Simontso Sibuyi continues to lead the way in community development, Thulani Trust stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering commitment of individuals like him to create a better tomorrow for the youth.