Duduza – Sibusiso Radebe (26) is an IT graduate, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and chairperson and founder of Healing Lives NPO.
His idea to start an NPO began in high school during a life orientation project called Making a Difference in Your Community.
He organised a fundraising event with his peers, where they visited a local charity home.
“What I felt during that visit, seeing children smile despite their circumstances, sparked something powerful in me. I felt a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment that I could not ignore. I realised then that giving is more than a gesture; it is a form of healing.
“The children we encountered had endured unimaginable challenges, yet a simple act of kindness brought them joy. I wanted to continue creating those moments, so I regrouped my peers and we began what would become Healing Lives NPO in 2014,” explained Radebe.
Sibusiso Radebe is an IT graduate, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. Photo credit: Nomsa Ngubeni
The NPO is a youth-led charity organisation dedicated to uplifting vulnerable, orphaned, and abandoned children.
“I am also the founder of PresiDA, a digital advertising agency that helps township businesses grow through branding and digital marketing. PresiDA was born from a deep concern for the sustainability of township-based businesses.
“Growing up in Duduza, I saw many small enterprises close within just a few years of operation, largely due to limited exposure, poor branding, and lack of access to marketing tools.
“This reality pushed me to create a platform that would preserve these business legacies and give them a fair chance at growth,” said Radebe.
Radebe’s passion lies in community empowerment, digital innovation, and creating lasting social change. His professional journey began in various IT roles across the education, legal, and e-commerce sectors, where he gained experience in systems implementation, automation, data analysis, and digital support.
“My background in both IT and the passion to make a positive impact in people’s lives sparked my entrepreneurial spirit, leading me to establish the two initiatives close to my heart,” said Radebe.
From a young age, Radebe felt a deep sense of responsibility to contribute to the betterment of others. He often witnessed the struggles of underprivileged children and disadvantaged communities, which inspired him to become actively involved.
He believes that each of us has the power to impact lives, not through grand gestures alone, but through consistent acts of care, compassion, and support.
“My professional skills and personal convictions aligned perfectly in this path of community service, where purpose meets action. Serving the community is more than a duty – it is a calling.
“I believe in using my skills and time to create opportunities for others, especially those who have been dealt a difficult hand in life. There is no greater fulfilment than seeing the smile of a child who feels loved, valued, and hopeful for the future.
“Community work grounds me; it reminds me that real happiness does not come from what we have, but from what we give,” added Radebe.
He added that communities thrive when we look after each other, saying serving the community builds compassion, accountability, and unity.
“When we invest in others, especially our youth, we invest in the future of our society. Each act of kindness creates a ripple effect of hope, and that is the type of world I want to be part of building.
“Serving the community is one of the most meaningful acts of leadership and humanity. It teaches empathy, builds strong social bonds, and strengthens the foundation of society,” he said.
He explained that community service fosters unity by reminding us that our well-being is interconnected — we thrive when those around us do too.
“It also plays a powerful role in youth development by instilling a sense of purpose and social responsibility from an early age. Through active participation, young people learn the importance of giving back, problem-solving, and being proactive citizens.
“Whether through volunteering, mentorship, or local initiatives, every contribution helps to build a more compassionate, resilient, and inclusive society,” he said.
Many abandoned, orphaned, and vulnerable children experience pain, rejection, and trauma. Their goal as an NPO is to be the family these children never had, to spread love, restore dignity, and create moments of joy.
“Our projects include Easter egg hunts, winter drives, grocery drives, stationery drives, and dignity packs, all aimed at addressing practical needs while also lifting spirits. We believe that every child deserves the chance to dream big and feel loved,” said Radebe.
Radebe was asked:
What does it mean to be young?Being young means being bold, innovative, and hopeful. It is the perfect time to dream, take risks, and shape the world around us. Youth is not just a phase – it is a responsibility. As young people, we carry the power to rewrite the story of our generation, to break cycles of poverty, and to lead with compassion and courage.
“It does not cost to dream. Therefore, you need to dream, and dream big. Everything and anything is possible,” he said.
Which opportunities do you think the youth deserve the most?The youth deserve access to education, mentorship, employment, and platforms for expression. They need opportunities that develop not just professional skills, but also character and leadership.
Too often, lack of access leads to hopelessness, poor decisions, and social issues like substance abuse. Empowering the youth is not a favour – it is an investment in our nation’s future.
What do you think should be implemented in our communities to foster change?We need more platforms that keep young people active, hopeful, and involved in meaningful work. Community hubs offering life skills training, mentorship, coding classes, creative spaces, and volunteer opportunities can transform lives.
Programmes like our Get Involved Program at Healing Lives invite young people to engage in charity work and humanitarian efforts, nurturing their sense of purpose and social responsibility.
We need to shift the narrative from “What can the government do for me?” to “What can I do for the world?” Because change begins with us.
We need to remind the youth that even though things may seem tough, there is always light after darkness. Dreams are valid. Change is possible. And with the right support, every young person can rise.
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