True leaders do not need a title to lead
Thembalethu Seyisi shares the stories that inspire him to greatness.
“This book captures the essence of what it means to live with purpose."
These words of wisdom from Prof Thuli Madonsela, the Director at the Centre for Social Justice at Stellenbosch University (SU), capture the essence of a remarkable new book, 25 Life Lessons @ 25, by a young and inspiring leader, Thembalethu Seyisi. A researcher at SU's Centre for Social Justice, he is also the co-founder of Academic Inclusion Drive (AID), a non-profit organisation to support the crowdfunding campaign #Action4Inclusion, aimed at alleviating student debt.
When you meet Thembalethu (his name stands for 'our hope' in isiXhosa), you will soon realise he is no ordinary 25-year-old. When he turned 21 on 2 December 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he chose not to celebrate this milestone with a big bash; instead, he invested his time and energy into compiling and self-publishing his first book: 21 Life Lessons @ 21. “I've been immensely privileged to have been inspired and mentored by exceptional South African women and men. I wanted other young people also to experience the love, grace and inspiration I have benefited from," he wrote.
Thembalethu says his first book was “born from a moment of crisis and compassion. At 21, I faced two heart-wrenching realities: A dear friend was unable to graduate from university due to historic debt, while another, who was battling what later turned out to be a misdiagnosis of a terminal illness, was struggling to cover her medical expenses. Drawing on the power of storytelling and community, I reached out to 21 remarkable individuals to share their life lessons and compiled their wisdom into a book whose proceeds supported my friends' needs and #Action4Inclusion. The experience taught me that even in our darkest moments, we can create light for others."
For 25 Life Lessons @ 25, Thembalethu followed the same recipe: he made a list of people he knows who inspire him and asked them to answer the question, "What is the one thing you wish you had known or done differently at 25?" “This book is a celebration of their journey, their process of becoming. As you read their stories, you'll see proof that no one walks alone; we are all shaped by the voices, experiences and the generosity of those around us," he writes.
Published by Uhlanga Books, this is one of those books that makes time stand still. It lures you in with words of wisdom from the inimitable Prof Madonsela, when she pays tribute to Thembalethu: “Through skillfully influencing and inspiring these extraordinary leaders to write on life lessons in celebration of his 25th birthday and support of #Action4Inclusion and AID, Themba has shown that true leaders do not need permission or a title to lead. The remarkable ability to bring these voices together reflects his exceptional leadership and gift for fostering dialogue across generations, backgrounds and experiences."
The award-winning journalist Athi Mtongana echoed these words when she wrote, "There is a genius in gathering influential voices from across society and weaving them into a single story." When that brilliance comes from a young person, it speaks volumes about what is possible when youthful energy is anchored in purpose".
25 Life Lessons @ 25 takes you on an alphabetical journey through a diverse group of unique individuals who share their stories and wisdom. Thembalethu has skillfully woven the stories of adversity, triumph and transformation together: There is Erika, who ran away at 21 from a cult, the only world she'd ever known. You travel with Marlene on her journey with polio, and you hear the crowd roar 'Beeeaast' when Tendai Mtwarira shares his incredible belief in seizing the day and not becoming another statistic without dreams.
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, the humble servant of South Africa's people through the organization he founded, Gift of the Givers, tells us to sweep the floors, pack food, and drive the truck. “There is no job beneath you when you serve." You run a marathon with Basani Maluleke and learn to embrace loneliness. At the same time, multi-award-winning poet, playwright, actor and producer Siphokazi Mthathi urges us to “Launch yourself at life like it is a plush couch, and you are a reckless toddler; unmask your fears and you'll discover that perfection is just not that interesting to you anymore."
Thembalethu unique ability to unite people from all walks of life was once again prevalent at his book launch on 27 June 2025 at the Vineyard Hotel in Newlands. Friends, family, colleagues, and some of the trailblazers he introduced in his book, all people who want to make a difference in others' lives, came together to celebrate.
“We're all here tonight because of one truly special person—and what a remarkable South African we have in Themba. He has the rare ability to bring people together around a shared vision: a vision of the kind of leadership, purpose, and future we want for our country," said SU's new Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, one of the contributors to the book, on the event.
For Prof Ramjugernath, Thembalethu is someone who sees purpose, recognises potential, and knows how to align both with intent. “The lessons he shares will continue to shape leadership in this country and influence the direction we take as a nation. South Africa needs passionate young leaders like Themba—leaders who are willing to step up, speak out, and help us become the remarkable country we all know we can be," he said.
25 Life Lessons @ 25 is hard to put down, so when you buy this, knowing that you are contributing to somebody else's future, make sure you sit comfortably, as you will be riveted for quite some time.
All proceeds from the sale of Themba's book will go to the Academic Inclusion Drive (AID) and #Action4Inclusion, as no student who still has an academic space at a university should ever be kicked out because of fees. This book is a powerful step toward that vision as Themba calls “it a commitment to uplifting others, to building a better world and to never stopping the search for wisdom".
To buy the book: https://uhlangabooks.co.za
Or Contact: Zimkitha Macengulashe Zilo at 069 983 3838
