Nothing ordinary about Obuhle
Talented teenager has many strings to her bow
Obuhle Sihu has cemented herself as a successful radio presenter, TedX Mdantsane panelist and storyteller. She’s only 19.
Her inspiring journey has already seen her achieve so much and her story is filled with projects that are set to uplift the youth in her community.
She is a radio presenter on Keith Ngesi Radio, a opportunity that began quite by accident.
“The radio station was broadcasting at a Hercules Bootcamp event I was attending and I was randomly picked to be interviewed on the show.
“After the show I went home and slept. Then I received a call from Thumamna Sibhozo, telling me I that I’d been chosen to be his co-host,” said Sihu.
“I had no radio experience whatsoever before that interview we had and I had not applied for it either. This was in March 2019.”
Sihu describes herself as an ordinary 19-year-old teen who is passionate about storytelling, social justice and community development.
“I believe that stories are not just found in books or creative content but also in our day-today interactions with each other. How you speak and engage with others tells a story about the kind of person you are.
“Our lives are stories. I also exist because of my mom and dad's story, an ordinary story which is never told. I want to reach for that and tell those ordinary stories.
“I do this creatively through writing short stories, my personal blog on Wordpress and on The Oddessy Online.”
TedX Mdantsane is an independently organised TED event founded by Vuyolwethu Sabani. It had its first virtual dialogues sessions in 2021.
Sihu was a panelist alongside Bohlale Buzani and Mzothando Sam. They discussed the leadership legacy of Nelson Mandela and what his teachings mean for the young generation.
She is also part of the Kasi Konversations movement, a platform for bringing together self-employed youth and finding ways to eradicate poverty.
“We do this through dialogues and conversations, building a network in order to assist one another to mobilise for the greater good.
“I’ve worked with other young people, some of whom are qualified professionals and business entrepreneurs,” she said.
The talented Sihu is currently working on a project called Kasi Kulture TV. It is a talk show that seeks to create dialogue with young movers and shakers from around East London.
She will also be launching a digital storytelling movement called The Creative Urge.