I Am African And I Can: Yoliswa Cele Luthuli

Giving Voice to South Africans

In the game of life, the "players" are the movers and shakers who determine which direction the ball rolls. Yoliswa Cele Luthuli has relentlessly aimed to win the game of life. In every game, it is her grapple with the ball that allows her to maneuver around her competitors and score.

On 10 November 2012, Luthuli competed against a group of women who originated from different parts of Africa for the title of US-Africa Ambassador. With her charisma and eloquence, she was able to convince judges that she deserved the crown.

Through the Ambassadorship program (US-Africa Synergy), Luthuli had the opportunity to go to the United Nations, where she learned the ins and outs of diplomacy, interrelation between countries, and human rights.

Apart from learning how to work in challenging environments, being an Ambassador taught Luthuli what kind of leader she wanted to become; she became clear on what role she wanted to play in the world.

Luthuli is the marketing and public relations (PR) person for Imbizo Host Committee, an African community organization focused on mobilizing social, economic and political issues affecting South Africans.

Among the myriad of things Imbizo H.C has accomplished, one pivotal event the organization is proud of is hosting South African President Jacob Zuma in September, 2013.

She is also a development intern at Shared Interest-Investing in South Africa's Future, a social investment fund that provides micro lending to small business owners in South Africa (mostly women).

"It's important for Africans abroad to make sure that they're still aware of the social and political issues pertaining to the [continent of Africa]."

"Politics, is the root of everything," she opined.

She doesn't consider herself a political guru, but would one day like to be in politics and public policy. Her background education in political science and marketing shows that social and political issues are a major concern to her, for "politics is relevant to everything that is happening in the world."

"It is easy to say I am from Africa, but it doesn't stop there. It is easy to say I paid my taxes. Being an active citizen is important. You can be a voice for your country outside your country," Luthuli elaborated.

When she emigrated from South Africa to America at the tare end of apartheid, she became even more confused by the fact that African Americans treated her as if she were not one of them, black.

Even though she felt like an outsider, she focused on the core reasons why she came to America, to pursue her dreams.

Luthuli's passion for children --orphans-- is what drives her to embark in ventures geared towards building the next generation of African leaders.

"We cannot have a healthy, stable country when children are not nurtured, educated and loved; they are the future," she said wholeheartedly.

Though she's been underestimated as a woman, Luthuli stood her ground. She knows what she wants out of life, and is not going to settle.

"Everyone around you gets an example from you, so set boundaries and keep your reputation," she informed.

In the years to come, Luthuli plans on being involved in youth movement, changing the image of Africa, promote entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship.

She strongly believes that not everyone is the same, and that women should not have a specific image of empowerment.

According to the opinionated South African, every woman does not have to work in an office to be recognized as an empowering member of society.

She explained that, "a woman who sells vegetables and looks after her child all day isn't any less empowering than a woman who works in an office." In her perspective, these two woman both show strength in different ways.

"I've been a nanny and a waitress, but at the end of the day, I know where I am going," Luthuli expressed with confidence.