Meet our Founder

The formation of the Sisonke Games is part of a larger dream that was birthed by Sonke Nxumalo. This is not only a passion project for him, but a deeply personal initiative as someone that grew up in the very same rural community he now serves. Mr Nxumalo has committed his time and the little resources at his disposal to bring hope and positive change to the youth and community as a whole. This is his story....

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a small rural town of Mbizana in Eastern Cape South Africa.

What do you do?

I work in the Television industry as a Technical Director, it's a technical leadership role. I am responsible for the visual look and audio of all TV programmes in our channel.

How did the idea of the Foundation come about?

In 2014 I started a soccer tournament as an initiative to give back to my community and to keep young boys out of bad habits during school holidays in December instead of them sitting around and doing nothing. The tournament grew each year in terms of teams participating and as a result we introduced netball, short distance running, seeing this huge interest and the whole community support, in 2019 I then officially registered Sonke Nxumalo Foundation as a professional entity to raise support, funds and donations because the numbers were becoming too big for my small financial savings to run the events property and there was a huge need to help into other social activities as well in the area.

What have you learned about yourself through being there for others?

I have learned to always humble myself and appreciate whatever I have and never take life for granted because the little you have, some do not have, and you indirectly become some kind of a role model to so many people who are looking up to you with the hope that you have all the answers for them. I know what it’s like to be filled with hope, but at the same time lack direction or advice on what to do. It is important to create safe spaces, where people know they are safe to reach out without feeling any shame.

Where do you find inspiration?

Everyday when I wake up I am grateful for having another day to live and make a difference. I take it as a significant opportunity to be able to impact someone's life positively, that inspires me and to never give up.

How can collaborative philanthropy work?

The people around you define who you are. The philosophy of Ubuntu requires us to focus on our communities. We are stronger together. The people I grew up surrounded by have inspired me to be the person I am today. And this is what I am hoping to inspire in others. Times have changed and there is so much pain and hurt in many homes. But no one should never feel alone, more so the youth. It takes a village to raise a child. And through the Foundation, we are creating a platform where various sectors of society, both public and private, can come together to service the communities needs. I am grateful to the local health department and police services for their support over the years. Their presence at the games allows residents an opportunity to interact with authorities, as well as receive much needed services. The elderly have been most grateful to have a clinic that is within reach during this time. As we gear up for the games in December, I am calling out for more organisations to come forward and be a part of this initiative.

The African view is that a person is a person through other persons. My humanity is caught up with your humanity, and when your humanity is enhanced — whether I like it or not — mine is enhanced as well. Likewise, when you are dehumanized, I am dehumanized as well.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Where do you see the Foundation in 10-years?

In 10 years I would like to see the Foundation fully sustainable. I am hoping to cement relations with CSI partners. This will help us to properly plan all foundation activities with sufficient resources to make a solid and sustainable impact in our community.

As someone who grew up in the rural areas and actively participating in the development of your community, what do you wish people knew about growing up in the rural areas?

I wish people can understand that growing up in rural areas isn't a curse, I find people in rural areas more resilient and are able to do more with little, and whether this is inspired by their living conditions where they still subjected to lack of basic services like water, roads, electricity, proper healthcare and schools, they still rise above all and contribute like everyone else even in the cities where some find opportunities of employment. 

We trust that you found it enjoyable to learn about our Founder and board member. We are also interested in learning about you. Share with us your background, location, and the ways in which you are impacting your community.