By Senthati Katlego Zasekhaya
Mbongiseni Sibiya, 21, is a passionate and driven young activist who serves as MACUA’s Ekurhuleni Branch Coordinator. He reflects on his journey, aspirations and the challenges he faces in his community.
Mbongiseni grew up in Kwa-Thema, located in the East Rand of Gauteng, a township known for its lack of opportunities and high youth unemployment. Despite the challenges, he found comfort in sports, particularly chess, which he enjoyed. “Chess really opened my mind,” he explains. He matriculated in 2021 and then completed a short ICT course at NW Avuxeni Computer Academy.
Life in the township taught Mbongiseni the importance of hustling to sustain himself. From starting a small tuck shop to painting houses and washing cars, he did whatever it took to make ends meet.
Mbongiseni’s journey into activism began with a strong desire to help his community. Attending community meetings with his father inspired him, as he witnessed firsthand the struggles of his neighbours. “I wanted to help the community, I saw their struggle and felt that I needed to do something,” he recalls.
His involvement with MACUA began when a fellow activist, Gift Radebe, who was MACUA’s secretary general at the time, introduced him to the movement. “When I found out what MACUA was about, I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” he explains. As an active member of MACUA and YAMUA, he made significant contributions to their efforts, including participation in the Toxic Tour protest on 16 June 2024.
Being an activist in his community presented a lot of challenges. Mbongiseni admits that every day brings new challenges. “Being an activist is difficult because you see no change in what you are fighting for, but I’m going to keep pushing,” he says, adding that this motivates him to continue to fight and confront issues head on. He recognises the dangers that activists face, including threats to their lives, but remains committed to his fight for justice.
Mbongiseni envisions a future in which YAMUA members are empowered, employed and capable of managing their programs. “As young activists, we need to be able to empower others. We are the next generation, and we must stand together and fight for our rights so that the next generation can thrive,” he explains.
He is committed to making a lasting impact in his community. Mbongiseni carries with him the hopes and dreams of many. “As a community member, I am willing to bring change, people are suffering, and I want to be that agent of change.”
