Radioman, Sipho Sibisi from Ridgeway helps his community
"If you have food and the person next to you doesn’t have, share because the spirit of ubuntu needs to prevail.” - Sipho Sibisi.
Sipho Sibisi (43) from Ridgeway chairs an NPO called Lusha Initiative Platform, which promotes students’ opportunities, especially for young women in media and construction.
He is a media-man himself, having lectured language and journalism at Damelin College since 2010.
Sipho is also the host and a producer of the Robertsham-based online radio Salaam Media. He also taught isiZulu, English, history and sport for high school learners at Liberty College, Basa Tutorial Institute and Blue Hills College.
Sipho said the driving force of the NPO is students.
“We have educational programmes for different segments, like young women in media studies in collaboration with Constitutional Hill and young women in construction in partnership with Wits University School of Construction.
“We also work with Each 1 Feed 1, in association with Nelson Mandela Foundation, Pick n Pay and Nando’s, in helping the needy. We also work with Pikitup to keep our area clean. “Students gain experience in all these programmes and we ultimately award them with certificates for their work,” explained Sipho.
Last year November, Sipho started at Salaam Media, where his works with his technical producer, Ziaad Khanyiso. He said they deal with community issues.
“My show is called Councillors Corner, where I interact with Johannesburg councillors. We discuss crucial issues that affect the community. “Among others, I have interviewed MMC Margaret Arnolds, MMC Mlungisi Mabaso, MMC Lawrence Khoza and MMC Loyiso Masuku.
“Our councillors also get the opportunity to talk about potholes, electricity, water, settlements, crime and house hijacking,” explained Sipho.
He mentioned that there are good things that happen in the community that he deals with on his online radio. Ward 54 councillor Stuart Marais helps him unpack them.
His message to the community
“Covid-19 is a phase – it is like a cloud and it will pass, even though it will leave a lot of damage. All we need is to comply with the government’s regulations and support one another. If you have food and the person next to you doesn’t have, share because the spirit of ubuntu needs to prevail,” he said.
Sipho can be contacted on lusha.platform@gmail.com or 071 457 9497.
