Life has an extraordinary way of bringing people together when the time is right. My connection with Philisiwe Mlambo is one that feels divinely orchestrated. Introduced by our mutual friend, the late Lesego Ndabeni—God bless her soul—it is through Philisiwe that I have been reminded of the beauty of life’s full-circle moments.
Though we had not spoken in years, Philisiwe recently reached out to invite me as a guest speaker at her event, an orientation for the Zulu Maidens hosted by her organization, Umyezane Arts Ensemble. I am deeply honored by this invitation and inspired by her story—a story that deserves to be celebrated and shared.
Philisiwe Mlambo is a remarkable woman who has transformed her personal struggles into a mission to uplift others. Born and raised in Soweto, on the dusty streets of Orlando, her journey has been anything but easy.
At the tender age of 15, Philisiwe fell pregnant and gave birth at 16—a life-altering experience that thrust her into adulthood far earlier than she had anticipated. During this tumultuous period, it was her English teacher, Mrs. Msomi, who stepped in as a guiding light. Mrs. Msomi didn’t just provide Philisiwe with shelter; she gave her the tools to navigate life with grace and faith. She taught her how to pray, how to persevere, and how to stand tall in the face of adversity.
Fueled by her resilience and determination, Philisiwe pursued higher education against all odds. She studied entrepreneurship at the University of Johannesburg and later obtained a Bachelor of Education from the University of South Africa.
To further enrich her knowledge, she added studies in Zoology at North West University. Philisiwe’s academic journey is a testament to her belief in the transformative power of education—a belief that continues to shape her work today.
As a full-time teacher at Musi Comprehensive High School in Pimville, Philisiwe encountered the harsh realities many young people face, particularly the pandemic of "umjolo" (dating) and its consequences.
Having experienced the struggles of teenage pregnancy herself, she took it upon herself to intervene, founding Umyezane Arts Ensemble as a sanctuary for young people. The organization’s mission is simple yet profound: to inspire, mentor, and educate youth from all walks of life.
Umyezane stands as a beacon of hope in the community. Through its programs, Philisiwe not only empowers Zulu Maidens to embrace their culture and tradition but also instills values of purity, celibacy, and self-respect.
Her vision is expansive; it’s not just about saving young girls but also about shaping young boys into respectful, responsible men. As Philisiwe often says, “One day, one of these maidens will get married. What kind of man will she marry? We must groom boys with the same care and guidance.”
What makes Philisiwe’s work even more inspiring is the personal sacrifice she has made. She has opened her home to children battling challenges like addiction, offering them not just shelter but a chance to rebuild their lives.
Her organization, though lacking funding, has created platforms like talk shows where youth can engage in meaningful discussions and showcase their talents. Despite the challenges, Philisiwe remains steadfast, advocating for sponsors to help provide basic necessities like sanitary towels and cosmetics for the girls she mentors.
Philisiwe’s story is one of courage, selflessness, and unwavering faith. She exemplifies the idea that adversity can be the foundation of greatness. As she often reflects, “It took a teacher to raise a teacher in me, and now I am a teacher raising other children.” Her ability to turn her pain into purpose is nothing short of extraordinary.
To Philisiwe, I want to say: thank you for being a beacon of light in the lives of so many. Thank you for inviting me to share my voice and be part of your incredible journey. I feel deeply privileged to witness the impact of your work and to celebrate the alignment of the universe that has brought us back together.
Your story is a reminder that, even in the darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope—a chance to rise, rebuild, and inspire others.
As we prepare for your event, I am filled with gratitude and anticipation for all the good things coming your way. You are a true embodiment of resilience and love, and it is my honor to give you the flowers you so richly deserve.
May Umyezane Arts Ensemble continue to grow and touch countless lives, for you are not just raising children—you are shaping the future.
Thank you, Philisiwe, for your heart, your vision, and your unwavering dedication to the next generation.
