Sipho Mnisi: A Commitment to Building Peace and Everything In-Between

Sipho Mnisi is a 2017 Activator, a passionate individual about youth and LGBTIQA leadership, a facilitator, and a former community radio presenter from Soshanguve, Pretoria. His dedication to empowering young people through education, gender equality, dialogue, and community development, with a strong focus on resilience, social and health awareness, and civic participation, has led him to found organizations that help achieve this.

Today, Mnisi stands as a founder of Words In Town, co-founder of Regaugetswe Information Centre, both of which have been registered with the Department of Social Development since 2018 and are based in Soshanguve. And most recently, he is the ambassador of the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).

Words In Town Youth Movement

Words In Town Youth Movement focuses on literature empowerment, psycho-social support, creative arts, and leadership development. It was founded in 2013 and officially registered with a small group of writers, poets, musicians, literature lovers, and activists. They have done some incredible work in collaborating with a variety of organizations, such as launching a school and home library, participating in international youth exchange programs and creative arts platforms, tutoring and mentoring, and facilitating youth dialogues on civic engagement and leadership. Currently, they are doing some work on sports and art with grassroots organizations and the Department of Sports, Art, Culture, and Recreation, promoting healthy lifestyles, identifying and strategizing some programs that could be done by young creatives.

Regaugetswe Information Centre

Founded in 2014 by women and an elderly group that approached Mnisi to do work for the youth and the LGBTQIA on social issues. This initiative empowers and uplifts society through information sharing and social engagements on crime prevention, combating human trafficking, health and environmental programmes, social cohesion, and support services.

The organization has done some work in social justice, facilitating community dialogues with government departments such as the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the South African Police Service, the Department of Social Development, and civil society organizations that offer health, psychosocial, and faith-based services. They refer clients to their nearest services. The centre has strongly participated in engagements such as the AIDS Council advocating for the LGBTQIA, programs for the elderly and women to improve health services in the district, to provincial structures and Gender Based Violoence Femicide programs through local, district, and provincial forums.

The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) Ambassador Program 2026

Mnisi is the IEP Ambassador, a global organisation that equips leaders, practitioners, and institutions with the knowledge and evidence-based approaches needed to create more peaceful societies. He was encouraged to apply by fellow ambassadors and activators Nathacia Olivier and Aurora Moses, who guided him through the process.

As part of the program, he is required to complete home tasks, one of which is to facilitate a dialogue session centered around peace. Mnisi hosted his event on 22 May 2026, where he hosted his peer educator training in partnership with the City of Tshwane Municipality. His role requires him to promote peace education, foster collaboration, and link global peace frameworks to local realities.

This also happens to be his proudest achievement; he says not only has this validated his commitment to youth empowerment but also created practical strategies for resilience, accountability, and community transformation.

Leadership Rooted In Service

Whether mentoring young people, facilitating community dialogues, advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, or building partnerships that strengthen communities in Sosha, Mnisi remains committed to creating spaces where every person has the opportunity to learn, lead, and contribute.

His journey demonstrates that meaningful leadership is built through consistent community service, collaboration, and a belief that lasting change begins with empowering people to become active participants in shaping peaceful and inclusive societies.

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About the Author:

Londiwe Mnguni is an activated young person passionate about community development and social change, with a deep commitment to contributing meaningfully to initiatives that empower and uplift communities.