Siphumeze Sylvia Tshongweni

Blogger, Brainstormer, Concerned citizen, Event planner, Foodie, Idea generator, Life mentor, Photographer, Promoter, Single, Student

A Stellenbosch Student A traditional Healer Passionate about Leadership Someone with a bright future ahead Enjoys Life

I am passionate about inspiring positive change and empowerment. I believe in the transformative power of education and traditional healing, and I am dedicated to fostering a sense of community and belonging. My leadership experience has taught me the importance of empathy, resilience, and collaboration, and I am committed to using my voice to advocate for meaningful progress in education, healthcare, and cultural preservation

It would be a really nice thing to talk about people who are traditionally gifted because everyone has the wrong concept of understanding when you say the word sangoma. Sangomas are known as wicked and scary people in the community and that they practice witchcraft, which is not the case, I want people to know that there are good sangomas and bad one too, just like police, there are good Cops who work hard to to protect their people and would die for their people and then you find corrupt policeman who are so selfish that they could not even care less of putting the innocent lives in danger. The same applies to Sangomas, as people we choose who we want to be, if you want to be a good person or a bad person. I would like to spread the idea of how hard it is to train to be a sangoma, how hard it is to be stared at. I want people to know that Sangomas are people too and deserve to be treated as one.

language and culture, My area of expertise include project management

My TEDx story revolves around the theme of 'Harmonizing Tradition and Modernity, A Journey of Education, Healing, and Leadership.' As a 19-year-old second year B.Ed foundation phase teaching student at Stellenbosch University and a traditional healer, I have embarked on a journey that intertwines ancient wisdom with contemporary practices. Growing up, I witnessed the profound impact of traditional healing in my community, which sparked my passion for preserving indigenous knowledge systems. This passion led me to pursue teaching, where I strive to integrate traditional healing practices into modern education, creating a holistic and culturally relevant learning experience. My role as a leader has further empowered me to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, advocating for cultural preservation and social change. Through my TEDx talk, I aim to inspire others to embrace their cultural heritage, challenge conventional norms, and explore innovative ways to address the complex issues of our time.

I am a 19-year-old second-year B.Ed Foundation phase student at Stellenbosch University, a traditional healer, and a leader. While my background in education, my traditional healing background is not so well-known, what people might not realize is my deep proficiency in languages, particularly Xhosa and other African Languages such Mngoni and Mndawu, which allows me to connect with diverse audiences. Additionally, my innovative approach to teaching includes integrating traditional healing practices and indigenous knowledge, showcasing my commitment to creative and culturally relevant education. My strong interpersonal skills, honed through leadership roles and traditional healing practices, are often overlooked but play a crucial role in my work. Furthermore, my involvement in community initiatives focused on education, health, and cultural preservation highlights my dedication to making a positive impact beyond the classroom and healing room.