Quick Facts
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Songezo Zibi |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 27 December 1975 (age 48 years) |
| Place of Birth | Mqanduli, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Education | Nelson Mandela University |
| Current Position | National Leader of Rise Mzansi |
| Political Party | Rise Mzansi (Founder) |
| Parliamentary Roles | Member of the National Assembly since 2024 <br> Chairperson of SCOPA since 10 July 2024 |
| Former Positions | Associate Editor, Financial Mail <br> Editor, Business Day |
| Corporate Roles | Volkswagen South Africa (1998 – 2006) <br> Xstrata (2006 – 2013) <br> Absa (2016 – 2021) |
| Books Published | Raising the Bar: Hope and Renewal in South Africa (2015) <br> Manifesto: A New Vision for South Africa (2022) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Spouse | Babalwa Zibi |
| Children | Three |
| Other Roles | Board Member, Various non-profit organizations |
Songezo Zibi (born 27 December 1975) is a distinguished South African political leader, corporate spokesperson, manager, writer, and former editor. He is the National Leader of the political party Rise Mzansi and has made significant contributions in both the corporate and media sectors.
Early Life and Education
Songezo Zibi was born in Mqanduli, a town in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. He pursued his higher education at Nelson Mandela University, where he laid the foundation for his diverse and impactful career.
Career in Journalism and Media
Zibi has held prominent positions in South African journalism. He served as the Associate Editor of the Financial Mail, a leading financial publication, and later became the Editor of Business Day, South Africa’s premier business and economy daily newspaper. His tenure in these roles cemented his reputation as a respected voice in the media landscape.
Corporate Career
Before his foray into politics, Zibi had a successful career in the corporate world. He worked at:
- Volkswagen South Africa from 1998 to 2006
- Xstrata from 2006 to 2013
- Absa from 2016 to 2021
In these roles, Zibi gained extensive experience in corporate communications and management, further broadening his professional expertise.
Political Career
Songezo Zibi founded the political party Rise Mzansi and currently serves as its National Leader. Under his leadership, the party has aimed to bring new energy and ideas to South African politics. In 2024, Zibi was elected as a Member of the National Assembly and shortly thereafter, on 10 July 2024, he was appointed Chairperson of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), where he plays a crucial role in overseeing government expenditures.
Authorship
Songezo Zibi is also a prolific writer. He has authored two influential books:
- Raising the Bar: Hope and Renewal in South Africa (2015)
- Manifesto: A New Vision for South Africa (2022)
These works reflect his vision for the country and his thoughts on leadership, governance, and societal renewal.
Other Contributions
Beyond his professional and political endeavors, Zibi has served on the boards of various non-profit organizations, contributing his skills and knowledge to support community development and social initiatives.
Personal Life
Songezo Zibi is married to Babalwa Zibi and enjoys parenthood, raising their three children. He is a dedicated family man and a proud South African, deeply committed to the betterment of his country through his diverse roles in journalism, corporate management, and politics.