Siphesihle Msibi
Hello! I am Siphesihle Msibi. I am the Founder, the Chairperson, and the driving force behind Redefined Organization.
I've had the privilege of understanding the importance of decision making and how it impacts your tomorrow. I am a hard-working young woman and I always persevere. I say this because I wasn't able to go straight into varsity after I matriculated. I worked for a year, then upgraded to the next one. I was then admitted to the University of Pretoria to pursue a Degree in Statistics. My academic journey hasn't been the easiest but I am able to balance my life of being a chairperson with being a student among other things.
Apart from my professional commitments; I enjoy playing netball and I was granted the opportunity to be the captain of the Tuks Naledi netball team in 2017, which I proceeded to coach in 2018.
Organization Name: Redefined Organization
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Operating since: 2018
Organization Instagram: @redefinedza
Tell us all about your organization. What services do you offer?
Redefined is a non-profit organization aimed at inspiring young women and helping them reach their set goals by redefining the acceptable norms of what womanhood is. We focus on mentoring, enhancing leadership skills, artistic skills (as well as sports) and addressing other challenges faced by women. We serve as a voice for young women with vast dreams and limited resources [by providing] a solid support structure that helps eradicate poverty and the social ills women face daily. Redefined plays a pivotal role in the local economy by helping young women turn their raw talents and ambitions into something big, something from which they can create a living.
How did you get the idea or concept for your organization? What was your mission at the outset? Was there anything in particular that inspired you to start at the time you did?
The formation of the organization was inspired by a local study conducted by young women on how other young women in and around Soweto tend to narrowly lead their lives. The appalling results of the study enabled us to come to terms with the fact that we needed to make a difference as well as break the pattern of how young women in our townships grow up with many talents/ideas/capabilities which are never materialized because of major issues they face. These include alcoholism, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, and other factors that hinder their personal growth and development - [a phenomenon] which is very common among the youth of South Africa.
Growing up, did you always intend to start your own organization?
Yes. Growing up in a township in Soweto, watching my friends and peers with various skills and talents that aren't nurtured and harnessed, such as all the dramatic skills expressed during child plays, or the musical talents exposed during games like Jam Alley (a local music show we grew up watching on SABC 1), notwithstanding the indigenous games that uncover raw talent that can produce the next biggest sports star. Witnessing this is what always inspired me to come up with something that will provide a platform for the youth (especially young women) to develop their own personal growth and be the best they can be as well as helping women that intend on venturing into business and other professions.
How have your past personal & professional experiences helped you to run your organization?
The confusion of what I wanted to do post-high school life has been the biggest molder of what I have and continue to become. Coming from a township where teenage pregnancy and alcohol is a societal norm doesn't make one’s decision making about their future the easiest choice. I spent most of my time seeing what I don't want to become and less of what I aspire to be. Working after my Matric gave me more perspective on what I did not want the rest of my life to look like - [the experience] created in me a woman who shows up for others and helped me become the woman I didn't have growing up. With these experiences, I am able to run Redefined Organization with so much ease, with the help of my best friend and my team. We are able to give to others what we lacked and continue to be a provider of knowledge and resources where we can.
What is the biggest personal/professional obstacle you've had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle that I had to overcome was the first semester of 2018. I had to learn to adapt to a completely new academic and residential environment. Academic challenges piled up and my bursary got suspended for a couple of reasons and I suffered mild anxiety attacks. I didn't know how to pull myself together and I struggled a lot with reaching out to people as I felt that I am the one they usually turn to for strength - I did not know how they would receive me. Having to show up was the biggest struggle but end of the year I managed to pass all my modules, my bursary issues were sorted out, and I progressed to the next year. In my personal life, the biggest obstacle has to be losing my dad in 2011. To this day, I struggle to speak about him without feeling a build-up of tears. One day I will tell his story and how much of an amazing man he was. It took me a while to grieve his passing and I still miss him.
What's your definition of success? Do you consider yourself a success? If not, when will you?
To me, success is no accident. It is perseverance, learning, hard work, sacrifice, loving and learning from what you do. Do I consider myself successful? Yes, being able to change one person’s life and how they view themselves screams success to me. I do not attach my success to material gains so my ability to show up every day, regardless of what lemons life serves me, makes me one of the successful people I know.
Have the women around you helped you to rise? How?
Yes. I am raised by my mom, aunt, and my grandmother (who is my biggest supporter and cheerleader). She has helped shape me into the woman I am today and I carry her presence with me every day. She is a powerhouse and I continue to celebrate her with passion. The women who raise me are a true reflection of imbokodo (an ancient stone used for crushing and grinding). I have been granted the opportunity to witness women that carry themselves gracefully despite life's challenges. Lastly, I would say my friends; it is almost as if we have an unspoken agreement that we, as women, will support each other and encourage one another.
What are some of your future plans? Are you working on anything else right now?
My plans are to ensure that young women all over the African continent have a platform where they can harness, nurture and cultivate their true beings through the guidance of other women who are industry leaders in their respective fields and in social spheres. We are currently working on joining forces with schools in and around Soweto.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
Just get started. You will never feel ready. Turn your one day to day one. Working with people is not the easiest thing you will ever do. Always remember that this is your dream and no one will understand it more than you do. People will come and go but through it all; keep your eyes focused on the end goal. Do not be discouraged when no one claps for all the hard work you do behind the scenes; it all pays off. Enjoy the process of learning and growing - and ask for help where needed.
Describe yourself in ONE word. Resilient
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today is..."
To be able to pride yourself with who you are and to fearlessly stand for what you believe in.