Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh is a prominent South African author, scholar, musician, and activist. Born on January 4, 1989, in Johannesburg, South Africa, he is the son of Dali Mpofu, the chairman of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) political party, and Theresa Oakley-Smith, the daughter of a British diplomat. Edwin Cameron, the former Constitutional Court judge, is his godfather, and Mpumi Mpofu, the CEO of the Airports Company of South Africa, is his stepmother.
Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh attended St John’s College and Sacred Heart College, where he became the SRC president in 2010. During his tenure, he challenged the college’s proposal to increase tuition fees and advocated for the inclusion of workers’ representatives on the council. He went on to study at the University of Oxford, where he earned a DPhil in International Relations. His doctoral thesis was on the topic of “The Political Economy of Regional Integration in Africa.”
In September 2017, Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh published his debut book, Democracy and Delusion: 10 Myths in South African Politics. The book, which won the City Press-Tafelberg Nonfiction Award, challenges prevailing myths about South African politics and offers a new vision for the country’s future. In addition to his writing, Mpofu-Walsh is also a musician, having released his debut album, “Democracy and Delusion,” in 2018. He is currently a lecturer in the Department of International Relations at Wits University.
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| Full Name: | Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh |
| Born: | January 4, 1989 |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | University of Oxford. |
| Occupation: | Actor , Scholar, Musician, Activist. |
| Spouse: | Sumaya Hendricks |
Early Life and Education
Family Background
Dr. Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh was born on January 4, 1989, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He comes from a family of high achievers. His father, Dali Mpofu, is the chairman of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) political party, and his mother, Theresa Oakley-Smith, is the daughter of a British diplomat. Mpofu-Walsh’s godfather is Edwin Cameron, the former Constitutional Court judge, which speaks to the family’s influential connections.
Academic Pursuits
Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh spent his formative years studying at St John’s College and Sacred Heart College. It was during his time in college that he developed a passion for activism, which led him to become the SRC president in 2010. He went on to pursue a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at the University of Cape Town (UCT) from 2008 to 2011.
After completing his undergraduate degree, Mpofu-Walsh continued his academic pursuits and obtained a DPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford. He has since become a lecturer in the Department of International Relations at Wits University, where he continues to inspire and educate young minds.
Overall, Dr. Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh’s early life and education were marked by a strong sense of purpose and a drive to make a positive impact in the world. His family’s influence and his own personal experiences have shaped his worldview and contributed to his success as an activist, scholar, and author.
Career and Activism
Literary Contributions
Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh is a prolific author who has written extensively on politics and social justice. His debut book, “Democracy and Delusion: 10 Myths in South African Politics,” was published in 2017 and won the City Press Tafelberg Award. In this book, he challenges the myths that have been perpetuated about South African politics and offers a fresh perspective on the country’s political landscape. He has also contributed to various publications, including The Guardian, The Daily Maverick, and The Mail & Guardian.
Political Involvement
Dr Mpofu-Walsh is a committed activist who has been involved in various political campaigns and movements. In 2010, he was elected as the President of the University of Cape Town Students’ Representative Council (SRC). During his tenure, he campaigned for better access to education for all South Africans and fought against the commercialization of higher education. He has also been involved in various political parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), where he served as the head of their policy unit.
Media Presence
Dr Mpofu-Walsh is a regular commentator on various media platforms, including radio, television, and online publications. He has been a guest on various news programs, including BBC World News, Al Jazeera, and CNN. He has also hosted his own television show, “The Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh Xperience,” which aired on CNBC Africa. In addition to his media appearances, he is also a talented musician who has released several albums and performed at various music festivals.
Overall, Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh’s career and activism have been marked by a commitment to social justice and a desire to challenge the status quo. Through his writing, political involvement, and media presence, he has become a respected voice in South African politics and a champion for the marginalized and oppressed.