Born ahead of her time at 32 weeks in April 2008, our founder, BhasweLihle Zilwa, fondly known as Lihle, was a premature baby with a clear knack to constantly prove capability beyond what is expected of her. In her desire to learn how to read, write and navigate herself in her new world; she was frustrated by her parent’s requirement to remain out of school in order to build fluency in her Xhosa language as a priority. From age 3, she could not accept her inability to read and write sms’s. It was clear that Lihle’s mind was already interested in pondering solutions to problems she couldn’t yet articulate—which only frustrated her more.

After what felt like endless years of impatient waiting, Lihle was ultimately enrolled into pre-school at the age of 5 years old in 2013. Typical to her overly committed character, after discovering that there was no uniform expectation for her, Lihle insisted that she too needed to wear uniform just as she had seen with her older sibling. To Lihle, it never made sense to do anything only half-way, if she was going to be in school, she needed it to reflect that in every way. After careful discussions between her parents and teachers, it was agreed that she could wear school branded golf-shirts and shorts as her “uniform” even though other kids in her class were attending in their casual clothes. Seeing how unbothered she was by being the only different one was the first proof of her disinterest in being a follower.

Unsurprising of her progressive nature, Lihle was disappointed and underwhelmed by the level of things she was learning in her pre-school. She was extremely displeased with her teacher’s request for them to colour in frogs and elephants when what she really wanted to do was be able to read and write. Even after explanation of the education process to her, Lihle insisted that she wanted to be in a space where her time would be used more efficiently on learning useful things, resulting in her being changed to another school mid-year. For years after this experience, Lihle still believes that coloring in frogs and elephants is an inadequate representation of education and that kids need more advanced stimulation.

Now enrolled in a new Montessori pre-school where she began learning how to read and write, Lihle was much happier as she could finally see a silver lining. She would surprise her parents with comprehensive and easy explanations on how the Earth rotated around the sun creating the different days and nights across the globe. Lihle’s explanations were energized and spirited—her hunger to learn was insatiable. She needed more from her teacher and was again disappointed to discover that they would be asked to sleep in the afternoons and that her teacher would teach them in slippers. When the teacher resigned and all parents were expected to comfort their children, Lihle surprised her parents once more by celebrating the teacher’s departure; expressing that the teacher’s dress code and behavior was unprofessional in ways that were unforgivable to her 5-year-old self.

Essentially, real education for Lihle began in 2014 and she has loved it ever since. By Grade 1, she could already prepare speeches on SMSs as well as read and write both English and Xhosa; which ignited and fueled the confidence she always carried to pursue other things. At 6 years old, she started a small business weaving loom bands into bangles and necklaces to sell them for R5 and R10 respectively. Her parents were all very surprised when she requested a small table outside her home for passerby customers to meet her products—just as her grandmother did selling fruit and vegetables. The young Lihle’s business was so profitable that she started strategizing on how relatives in other parts of town could participate in her business and expand her branches everywhere! Ultimately, she made sales of R869.00.

As a true sign of being a junior trailblazer in her community, after counting her earnings, Lihle expressed that she wished to host a breakfast for an orphanage home. Unbeknown to her parents, Lihle had previously watched a movie depicting the very basic breakfast meals that children in some orphanages were subjected to and felt called to do something about it. Unaware of this inspiration, her parents did not yet act on her wish to afford these kids the joy of tasting cereals, yoghurts, eggs, bacon, sausages, and croissants.

A few years later when Lihle turned 8 years old, her parents excitedly announced to her that her MTN Zakhele shares had paid out. And in the same spirit of service leadership, Lihle responded that she wanted to use the funds to help children in disadvantaged schools. Impressed and in disbelief, her parents were inspired to support her to make it happen this time. They identified a school in Philena at Olievenhoutbosch, and, after careful analysis of their needs, Lihle donated school uniform, shoes, reading books, learning charts and other valuable learning material to 594 learners who benefitted from Lihle’s ambitious kindness and compassionate nature. To read more about Lihle’s achievement on this project check out her Philena Project report, her speech on YouTube as well as media coverage on the front page of the Midrand Reporter (20 October 2017).

Zilwa’s trailblazing streak did not wear off in her adolescence, by the age of 12 she had already successfully completed all 3 levels of the First-Aid training course. In addition to attending school during weekdays, she committed her entire weekends to the courses, determined to expand her ability to be of assistance should the need arise.

As her teenage years begin, Lihle’s relentless enthusiasm is only growing stronger at 13 years old. This time, she has dedicated her energy towards forming a Future Global Leaders Club, a not-for-profit company that can assist learners from across the country who feel isolated and lonely in being top academic achievers. She envisions an inclusive community that will create a common virtual world that functions to sharpen one another’s excellence through peer support and guidance from teachers as well as parents alike.

Having already authored a published book (at age 14) titled Lihle’s Collection of Motivational Quotes for Teens which she aims to inspire, motivate and provide support for her peers through a selection of quotes, Lihle’s tireless ambition has once again proven her capability way beyond what is expected of her. Let’s rally to support her in a success that will benefit all deserving high performing learners regardless of race, gender, or social class.

To support Lihle’s cause either as a Proud Parent, or Proud Ambassador, kindly donate to the Future Global Leaders Club, a Not-For-Profit Company (CIPC Registration number 2021/874453/08). www.futuregloballeaders.co.za.

To get a copy of Lihle's Collection of Motivational Quotes for Teens, click here!