Dr. Malebese Ishmael Sello
Nominee's Province:
Limpopo
Age:
30
Project Name/Description:
Bellamatrix ICT Foundation
From the rural village of Ga-Sekhukhune to global stages, Dr. Malebese Ishmael Sello’s journey is a powerful story of resilience, service, and vision. Now based in Mankweng, Polokwane, Dr. Sello is an internationally recognised changemaker in ICT education. In 2022, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in ICT in Education by IIU University in India. A year later, he represented South Africa in China as part of a mathematics program sponsored by the Department of Basic Education and China’s Ministry of Education. Dr. Sello’s mission is clear: to transform lives through education and technology. “Teaching is a calling,” he says, “and that belief has brought me to where I am.” His work, particularly in digital literacy, spans multiple organisations including Bellamatrix ICT Foundation, SchoolNet South Africa, Affinity, and Edunova. Through these platforms, he has trained thousands of teachers, learners, and community members. A deep commitment to uplifting others is rooted in his own experiences. “I come from a disadvantaged background,” he explains. “I vowed that no one should go through the hardships I faced.” That vow fuels his relentless drive. Among his latest initiatives is the Kings of Tomorrow Movement, which supports, mentors, and empowers African boys facing adversity. “They’re going through a lot, and we must guide them to become better men,” he says. Day-to-day, Dr. Sello works directly with schools and communities, ensuring they gain essential digital skills for the 21st century. His role as a Master Trainer for the internationally recognised C-DELTA course is one of his proudest achievements. “It helps people find jobs and fight unemployment,” he shares. Challenges are constant, but Dr. Sello chooses not to dwell on them. “I believe in positivity,” he says. “There are many people looking up to me—if I give up, they might too.” His core message? “Don’t wait for the ‘right moment’—act on your idea now. Practice makes perfect.” Driven by the belief that “the illiterate of the 21st century will be those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn,” Dr. Sello is not only transforming classrooms—he’s reshaping futures.
