Ntombentsha Msutu
PORT Elizabeth-born Bongani Mabusela has always worked hard to achieve his goals, which is why he is a staunch believer in the power of people.
He was raised in Gugulethu, Cape Town, but later moved to Motherwell, NU7. Mabusela believes his township life and upbringing paved a path for him to become a revolutionary.
"I am a revolutionary in nature and character, which Che Guevara describes best: 'Revolutionaries are not normal people. They can, but never compromise the cause'," Mabusela said.
The former Cape Technikon student, who studied financial information systems, has been politically active since the days of Congress of South African Students.
"I never define myself as a politician. I honestly feel that I am an activist," he said.
Since Mabusela's involvement in politics in high school he has led a number of progressive youth formations and social organisations. He was chairman for Sivenathi Licensed Home in Cape Town, branch chairman of ANCYL in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, regional chairman for National African Federated Chamber of Commerce Youth Nelson Mandela Bay and principal member of Ibhayi Lam Concepts and Entertainment.
And Mabusela's work does not end there.
"I have worked on international projects such as the Krogerup Hojskole crossover programme in Denmark, the Fifa 2010 World Cup fan zone and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2011," he said.