Songezo Zibi Biography: Age, Wiki, Career, Wife, Political Party, Contact Details, Family, Net Worth
Songezo Zibi Biography
Songezo Zibi is a prominent South African figure known for his diverse roles in media, communications, and politics. His professional journey began at Volkswagen South Africa, followed by a stint in corporate communications at mining company Xstrata. He later became the editor of Business Day and an associate editor at Financial Mail.
Songezo Zibi co-founded the Midrand Group and served on the board of the Centre for Development and Enterprise. In 2021, he helped establish the think tank Rivonia Circle.
In April 2023, Zibi co-founded the political party Rise Mzansi and became its national leader. He has also announced his intention to run for president, advocating for a fundamental reset of South Africa’s governance.
Songezo Zibi Age
Songezo Zibi is 48 years old as of 2024.
Songezo Zibi Early Life and Education
Songezo Zibi was born on December 27, 1975 in Mqanduli, which was part of the rural apartheid Bantustan of Transkei, and today is located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. He was the only child of a single mother, Nomfundo Zibi, a dedicated teacher. His upbringing was further shaped by his grandparents, Christopher and Lynette Zibi, who were respected community leaders in Zwelitsha Location. The political landscape of his youth was deeply influenced by his uncle, Vuyani Zibi, an anti-apartheid activist with the ANC’s armed wing, uMkhonto we Sizwe, whose life was tragically cut short by the SADF Special Forces in 1982.
Zibi’s educational journey began in the local schools of Mqanduli, where he attended Phangindlela Junior Secondary School, and later, St John’s College in Mthatha and All Saints College in Bhisho.
His academic path led him to Port Elizabeth Technikon, which became part of Nelson Mandela University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Commerce. During his university years, Zibi was actively involved in student politics, becoming a member of the Pan Africanist Student Organisation and the Azanian Student Organisation, as well as serving as the chairman of the debating society.
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Songezo Zibi Career
Songezo Zibi’s professional journey began at Volkswagen South Africa, where he worked in communications and public relations from 1998 to 2006. Zibi often refers to this period as “the best years of my working life,” a time when he honed his skills in corporate communication and management. His expertise in this field led him to a role in corporate communications at the mining company Xstrata, where he served from 2006 to 2013, eventually becoming the executive manager for corporate affairs.
In 2014, Zibi’s career took a significant turn as he joined the Financial Mail as an associate editor. His sharp insights and leadership abilities soon saw him rise to the position of editor of Business Day, South Africa’s leading business and economy daily newspaper. During his tenure from 2014 to 2016, Zibi became a respected voice in the media industry, known for his incisive analysis and commitment to journalistic integrity. After leaving Business Day in 2016, he continued to influence the corporate world as the head of corporate communications for the banking giant Absa, a role he held until 2021.
Parallel to his corporate career, Zibi has been an active participant in civil society. He co-founded the ‘Midrand Group’ with notable figures such as Prince Mashele, Mzukisi Qobo, and Brutus Madala while working at Xstrata. This group aimed to foster intellectual discourse on South Africa’s development. His civil involvement continued as he served on the board of the right-of-centre Centre for Development and Enterprise and later co-founded the think tank Rivonia Circle in 2021, with the goal of deepening political participation in South Africa.
Zibi’s contributions to thought leadership are also evident in his writing. He is the author of two books, “Raising the Bar: Hope and Renewal in South Africa” (2015) and “Manifesto – A New Vision for South Africa” (2022), which reflect his vision for the country’s future and his analytical prowess.
In April 2023, Zibi embarked on a new chapter in his career by co-founding the political party Rise Mzansi and becoming its first national leader. This move marked a significant shift from his roles in media and corporate communications to active political leadership. His political aspirations are driven by a desire for a fundamental reset of South Africa’s governance, and he has announced his intention to run for president, positioning himself as a catalyst for change in the nation’s political arena.
Songezo Zibi Wife and Children
Songezo Zibi is married to Babalwa Zibi. Together, they have three children.
Songezo Zibi Net Worth
Songezo Zibi has an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2024.
