Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, born on 4 January 1989, stands out as a versatile South African author, academic, musician, activist, and media figure. He rose to fame with his 2017 book Democracy and Delusion: 10 Myths in South African Politics, paired with a debut rap album of the same name, and his anti-corruption track “Mr President” aimed at former President Jacob Zuma.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh |
| Date of birth | 4 January 1989 |
| Place of birth | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Gauteng (Johannesburg) |
| Partner | Sumaya Hendricks |
| Children | Hakim Thembekile |
| Occupations | Podcaster, activist, musician, writer, academic |
| Net worth | $1.5 – 2million USD |
Early Life and Education
Mpofu-Walsh grew up in Johannesburg, son of black father Dali Mpofu (EFF chairperson and ex-SABC CEO) and white mother Theresa Oakley-Smith (daughter of a British diplomat).
Raised mainly by his single mother during anti-apartheid times, he attended Sacred Heart College and St John’s College, played youth soccer for Orlando Pirates, and formed hip-hop group Entity with rapper AKA.
He lived in rural Eastern Cape, completed Xhosa initiation in 2007, earned an Honours in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of Cape Town in 2012, and served as SRC President in 2010 to block fee increases.
Career
His career covers music, authorship, academia, and media. He dropped “Mr President” in 2013, which featured in the Wall Street Journal, and earned a spot among Mail & Guardian’s top 200 young South Africans.
Academically, he completed a DPhil in International Relations at Oxford, analyzing South Africa’s nuclear disarmament as “obedient rebellion,” published in International Affairs, and now lectures at Wits University.
In media, he hosted on 702 radio, launched the SMWX podcast with SAMIP funding, gained a prime-time SABC News slot in 2023, and co-founded youth group InkuluFreeHeid while backing #FeesMustFall and #RhodesMustFall.
Personal Life
Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh is married to Sumaya Hendricks, and they share a son, Hakim Thembekile. His godfather is ex-Constitutional Court judge Edwin Cameron; his stepmother is Mpumi Mpofu, CEO of Airports Company South Africa.
Bibliography
- Democracy and Delusion: 10 Myths in South African Politics (2017), recipient of the City Press Tafelberg Award.
- Chapter in Fees Must Fall: Student Revolt, Decolonisation and Governance (Wits University Press).
- Article “SA’s Three-Way Split” (2014) plus City Press writings on racism and corruption.
Discography
- Debut rap album Democracy and Delusion (2017).
- Single “Mr President” (2013).
Net Worth
Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million to $2 million USD as of 2026. This figure accounts for his earnings from academia, podcasting, book sales, music releases, and media appearances.
Awards and Recognitions
- City Press Tafelberg Award for Democracy and Delusion (2017).
- Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans (2013).
- Weidenfeld Scholarship for Oxford master’s (with distinction).
