Who We Are.
New Man Rising exists to build grounded, disciplined, purpose-driven young men through mentorship, brotherhood, faith, and leadership development.
Our Mission
To heal the generational voids of fatherhood and leadership by equipping young men with the tools they need to rise. We provide structural guidance, spiritual foundation, and technical precision.
We are actively building the blueprint for masculinity that honors the past while forging a strong, unbreakable future.
Our Vision
To see a generation of men across South Africa and the continent who are anchored in purpose, leading their families with love, and transforming their communities.
A society where every young boy has a mentor, and every man knows his inherent worth and calling.
How It All Began
Born from the Soil
New Man Rising was born from the soil of South Africa. It began not as a programme, but as a poem written by Masoja Msiza. That poem carried a fire. A call for men to rise beyond pain, stereotypes and silence.
From those words, it grew into a stage production that moved audiences to tears and truth. The stage play then evolved into a programme, reaching deeper into communities, schools and hearts. What started as ink on paper became action on the ground.
A Movement Ignited
Today, New Man Rising is no longer just one programme. It has grown into a full movement with many programmes underneath it. Still rooted in South African soil, it now equips men to heal, lead and build with purpose. The movement is alive, running workshops, mentorship and conversations that reshape what masculinity means.
From poem to stage, from stage to a programme and into a movement. New Man Rising is proving that real change starts when one man decides to rise and then brings others with him.
Our Core Values
Identity
Knowing who you are is the foundation of everything. We build identity rooted in truth, not fleeting trends.
Integrity
Character built in the dark shines brightest in the light. We honor our word and live with uncompromising morals.
Brotherhood
No man rises alone. We protect, challenge, and uplift each other. We are our brother's keeper.
Discipline
Freedom is found through structured devotion. We master our minds and bodies to serve a higher purpose.
Legacy
True leadership is measured by what you give. We lead by serving our families and communities.
The Visionaries
Five visionaries carrying the vision on stage, behind the scenes, and on the ground.
Masoja Msiza
CEO/Founder
Sthembiso Hlongwa
Coordinator
Bishop Gwala
Spiritual Covering
Nkosi Nxumalo
Communications Lead
Zethu Phoswa
Media/Publicity
Masoja Msiza CEO/Founder/Creative
Born in Kwa Thema, Springs, Masoja began performing at age 10 and built a career as a poet, actor, and motivational speaker, appearing on stage, radio, TV and film while remaining an active voice against injustice. He founded New Man Rising to give young men the mentorship, education, and purpose he sees as the antidote to a broken system, drawing on decades spent reforming lives both on stage and inside South Africa's prisons.
Sthembiso Hlongwa Coordinator/Communicator
A seasoned executive bridging banking and ICT, Sthembiso held leadership roles at African Bank for 14 years - rising from Sales Production Manager to Regional Operations Manager. He later served as CEO of Umcebo Wezezwe before co-founding Social Mobile, where he continues as CEO. Educated in Management, Leadership and Business at Milpark and Regenesys Business Schools and currently studying Industrial Engineering at UNISA, he brings sharp financial intelligence and proven business acumen to New Man Rising - ensuring every initiative is built on solid ground.
Bishop Gwala Spiritual Leader/Communicator
Prof. TD Gwala is a South African entrepreneur, CEO, and pastor from Umlazi township, KwaZulu-Natal. He founded multiple organizations including Ithembalethu Media, EtMt Events Management, HZ Commerce (PTY) LTD, and the National Interfaith Achievement Awards (NIFA). He also organizes national events like Zion TV and serves as a member of the Commission of Religious Affairs and the KZN Legislature Faith Based Organization. His work focuses on nation-building and fighting against women's abuse, crime, corruption, and poverty. He is recognized as both a community and spiritual leader.
Nkosi Nxumalo Creative/Communications
An actor, writer, director and model from Umlazi, Durban, trained at Ikabawo Performing Arts Academy. Known for his appearances in SABC's "Uzalo" and stage work at The Playhouse, Nkosi brings discipline and storytelling craft to coordinating New Man Rising's programs and brotherhood circles on the ground.
Zethu Phoswa Media/Publicity
A dedicated media and publicity professional, Zethu builds strong public presence for New Man Rising through strategic storytelling, partnerships, and event communications. She ensures the movement's work is seen, heard, and understood across communities, using her passion for positive messaging to amplify the organisation’s impact.
Restoring the Blueprint
The modern world has confused the definition of masculinity. We believe that true strength is gentle, true power is controlled, and true leadership is sacrificial. We are actively restoring the ancient blueprint of manhood for the modern era.
Through mentorship, we bridge the gap between boyhood and manhood. We provide the initiation that society has forgotten, guiding young men through the rigorous process of discovering their identity, refining their character, and stepping into their divine calling.
"A boy becomes a man not when he can dominate others, but when he can master himself to serve them."
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Together we rebuild the role of the man in our communities.
