DJ Sbu Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

DJ Sbu Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award. Sbusiso Leope, widely known as DJ Sbu, has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the second annual Township Economy Awards, recognising decades of contribution to media, entrepreneurship and community development rooted in the township economy.

Leope’s journey began in Tembisa, where he volunteered at Tembisa Info Radio. His early exposure to community broadcasting laid the foundation for a career defined by discipline, consistency and commitment to amplifying township voices. That foundation later carried him to national prominence at YFM, where he became one of the station’s leading youth broadcasters. His work at the station played a role in shaping youth culture and ensuring township perspectives were represented on national platforms.

Beyond radio, DJ Sbu expanded his career into music, business and authorship. As a DJ and music producer, he maintained a visible presence in the entertainment industry while building credibility beyond broadcasting. His entrepreneurial journey gained wider attention through the co founding of energy drink brand MoFaya, a township born business that entered the national market. The brand became a reference point in conversations about locally built businesses and brand ownership.

Leope also shared his experiences through authorship, publishing books focused on leadership, entrepreneurship and personal development. His writing drew from lived experience, offering practical reflections on discipline, self belief and long term thinking rather than theory based instruction.

His work as a property investor further highlighted his emphasis on sustainability and asset ownership. He consistently promoted long term value creation and the importance of building beyond short term visibility or success, particularly for young entrepreneurs seeking stability.

Through the Sbusiso Leope Education Foundation, his impact extended into education and youth development. The foundation has reached more than 500 000 township high school learners, exposing them to education, leadership and entrepreneurship pathways. Many participants have progressed into further studies and professional careers across various sectors.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises decades of leadership, consistency and service. It acknowledges a career that has prioritised access, opportunity and knowledge sharing, while creating platforms for others to grow.