Similo Siyenga from Pretoria was named Young Leader of the Year at the 2025 Sasol SuperLead Awards, placing him among the top ten winners alongside senior executives from leading corporations such as PwC and Legends Barber.

Held in September 2025, the awards recognise leadership, innovation and meaningful impact across sectors in society. Similo’s recognition in this competitive field underscores a profound commitment to community transformation and youth empowerment.

The top ten CEOs and category winners at the SuperLead Awards, an event recognising distinguished business and organisational leaders from across South Africa

Establishment of M-Powerment Care

Similo's leadership adventure began in the immediate aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak. The immediate response to address an urgent problem set the stage for something bigger for Similo.

In 2021, he founded M-Powerment Care, a social impact organisation focused on access to education, youth development and community upliftment. Through various initiatives, the organisation has helped learners from under-resourced communities access academic support, career guidance and opportunities that open doors to higher education and long-term development.

"The organisation was initially created in response to the needs that arose after the pandemic, feeding homeless people," says Similo. "What began as a compassionate response evolved into a structured mission, with the organisation expanding its reach through strategic partnerships."

He continues: "Through the M-Powerment Care’s subsidiary, M-Powerment Recruitment, we can extend to recruitment, project support and marketing for various government departments. The two organisations have been involved in several educational initiatives, organising food drives and outreach projects.

Balancing academia and action

Currently, Similo is completing a Civil Engineering degree at Unisa while pursuing a Quantity Surveying degree at the University of Pretoria. "Alongside my studies and running two organisations, my days are a balance of lectures, assignments, leadership and programme implementation," he says.

He credits Unisa’s unique structure for enabling his dual path, noting that his engineering studies directly inform his social work. "The curriculum has had a significant role in fostering the growth of my analytical thinking and systematic problem-solving skills necessary to offer practical answers to difficult social problems," Similo explains.

Similo recognises the critical role Unisa has played in shaping his future. He said that Unisa’s flexibility allowed him to grow academically while actively leading community initiatives.

Leadership and empowerment as a cycle

Similo views the national award as confirmation of a leadership style grounded in accountability and sustainability rather than as mere personal recognition. "My goal goes beyond individual assistance to creating and establishing a self-sustaining circle of empowerment. Leadership is about using one’s education, skills and influence to create opportunities for others," he says.

"This recognition," he concludes, "serves as motivation to continue driving impact that empowers young people and contributes to South Africa’s future."

* By Kgaogelo Magare, Production Assistant, Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations