For Simphiwe, life has always been about finding the right balance between ambition and values, and no one embodied this balance more than his high school English teacher, Mr. SA Hlongwane. Growing up in Bergville, a picturesque village nestled in the foothills of the Northern Drakensberg mountains, Simphiwe learned the importance of kindness, love, and respect from his mother. But it was Mr. Hlongwane who became the role model that shaped Simphiwe’s vision of the man he wanted to become.

Mr. Hlongwane wasn’t just a teacher to Simphiwe—he was a living example of dignity, respect, and ambition. His influence on Simphiwe was profound, inspiring him to carry himself with the same focus, love for family, and determination to succeed. It was through Mr. Hlongwane that Simphiwe realised the importance of being not just good at what you do, but good to the people around you.

Simphiwe’s journey to becoming a Labour Law Specialist started with a different path. Initially pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Zoology at the University of Johannesburg, he quickly realised that blood wasn’t for him. But his love for law, sparked by the TV show Sokhulu and Partners, never faded. It led him to enrol in an LLB programme at UJ, where he found his true calling.

After completing his articles, Simphiwe’s passion for labour law guided him to the Consolidated Employers’ Organisation (CEO). The opportunity to work in labour law and help people navigate complex workplace disputes felt like a perfect fit. At CEO, Simphiwe found a work environment that mirrored Mr. Hlongwane’s values—where teamwork, respect, and a sense of family were at the core of everything.

In his downtime, Simphiwe enjoys the simple pleasures in life—fishing with friends, catching up with loved ones, and dreaming of a future where he settles down on a peaceful piece of land, with a Ford Ranger Wildtrak for navigating the rural terrains of Bergville. His accomplishments, including being the first in his family to graduate from university and buy a car, are a testament to the influence of those who believed in him along the way.

Simphiwe’s story is a blend of ambition, gratitude, and a deep respect for the mentors who shaped him, especially Mr. Hlongwane, whose impact is a lasting legacy in Simphiwe’s life.