Welcome Witbooi
From Gangster To Guardian
From gangster to community leader, Welcome Witbooi has rewritten his story - and now helps others do the same. In South Africa’s most vulnerable communities, he stands alongside children, youth, and families, rebuilding trust, restoring dignity, and planting seeds of hope. Through his heart work; BrightSpark Foundation SA, his message is clear: real transformation is possible, because change begins within.
Humanitarian journalism feature on BrightSpark Foundation SA’s impact in South African communities. Discover how Welcome Witbooi and BrightSpark Foundation SA are transforming communities through youth mentorship, safer schools programs, and leadership training across South Africa.Explore BrightSpark's Programs →
Protect Our Kids: BackaBuddy School Safety Campaign
Another school stabbing. Another child in the headlines. This CANNOT be the story of South Africa’s future. BrightSpark Foundation SA is leading the fight to turn fear into hope by building safer schools, mentoring youth, and strengthening communities.Donate. Share. Support →
FROM GANGSTER TO GUARDIAN
Welcome Witbooi is a South African community leader, youth mentor, inspirational speaker, and founder of BrightSpark Foundation SA.Once a First Star General of the feared 28s gang, part of the ruthless Numbers Gang network that controls South Africa’s prisons, Welcome’s story is one of extraordinary transformation.Born in Valhalla Park on the Cape Flats - an area scarred by poverty, drugs, and gang violence - Welcome was pulled into gangsterism by the age of 12, starting as a runner before being arrested and sent to Pollsmoor Prison.Pollsmoor, known as one of the most dangerous and overcrowded prisons in the world, was a crucible of violence and power ruled by the Numbers Gangs. Inside, Welcome rose quickly through the rigid and violent hierarchy of the 28s, and by age 25, he held the rank of the youngest First Star General, commanding authority over thousands of inmates.But seven years into that life, Welcome did the unthinkable: he walked away. In a life-or-death council meeting with fellow generals - a confrontation that almost no one survives - he announced his exit from the gang. Against all odds, he lived to see the outside.Since his release in 2012, Welcome has dedicated his life to healing the cycle of violence he once embodied. Through BrightSpark Foundation SA, he leads innovative youth mentorship, education, diversion, and community programs, including School4Life, Boys2Men, SisterSupportSister, and Adopt-a-Family South Africa.Today, Welcome is an inspirational speaker and advocate for change, sharing his story with schools, universities, corporates, and conferences across the country. His message is as simple as it is profound:“Real transformation is possible. Dignity, innovation, and healing all begin from within.”Follow Welcome's Journey →Book Welcome For A Talk →
CORPORATE ENGAGEMENTS
Welcome Witbooi brings a unique perspective to boardrooms and leadership teams across South Africa. His story of transformation - from surviving the harsh realities of gang life to leading BrightSpark Foundation SA - has become a powerful tool for driving change in organizations.Through corporate keynotes, leadership workshops, and resilience talks, Welcome helps teams navigate change, strengthen collaboration, and align with purpose-driven goals.Ready to inspire your team, and create real impact? Lets talk →Become A Partner →
SPEAKING THEMES
1. RESILIENCE & ADAPTABILITY
Thriving in times of uncertainty and turning challenges into opportunities.2. PURPOSE DRIVEN LEADERSHIP
How authentic leadership creates stronger, more inspired teams.3. EMBRACING CHANGE
Lessons on adaptability and innovation drawn from real-life transformation.4. SOCIAL IMPACT & CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
Partnering to create lasting change through safer schools and youth empowerment initiatives.
BrightSpark Foundation SA
BrightSpark Foundation SA is Welcome Witbooi’s heart project and life’s work, born from his lived experience and his belief that lasting change begins within communities themselves.Working with children, youth, and families in some of South Africa’s most vulnerable areas, BrightSpark focuses on empowerment, education, family support, and violence prevention. Its approach is simple but transformative: build trust where it’s been broken, restore dignity where it’s been lost, and plant hope where it’s been forgotten.By tackling the root causes of poverty and violence, BrightSpark Foundation SA is empowering youth, training mentors, and building safer schools and stronger communities across South Africa.To learn more about our programs and impact, visit the Foundation Programs section below, and become part of the change!Meet Our Partner Schools →Help Fund A Safer School →
PROGRAMS & PARTNERSHIPS
1. SCHOOL4LIFE PROJECT
A flagship programme providing vulnerable youth with safe housing, education, and life-skills training. Currently home to 337 students (34 girls and 19 boys in residence), School4Life supports learners from grade 8 to 12 with study programmes, inspirational sessions, and mentorship. It gives young people at risk of gang recruitment or school dropout a chance to rebuild their lives.2. SCHOOL OUTREACH (School4Life Students in Schools)
BrightSpark’s School4Life students extend their learning by reaching out to primary and secondary schools at risk in vulnerable communities. They run inspirational sessions, tutoring, and peer mentoring - showing learners from grade 8 -12 that positive choices are possible.3. BOYS2MEN MENTORING
The Boys2Men Mentoring Programme guides boys through their transition into manhood with workshops, talks, camps, and one-on-one mentoring. Each boy is paired with an adult mentor who offers support and guidance, helping them grow into responsible, compassionate men who protect, love, and care for the women in their lives while becoming positive role models in their communities.4. SISTERSUPPORTSISTER
The Sister Support Sister Programme empowers young girls in vulnerable communities to discover their potential, support one another, and stand strong as a collective. Through mentorship, workshops, and safe spaces, girls build confidence, develop leadership skills, and create networks of solidarity. Together, they rise against gender-based violence and work towards a future where women are valued, protected, and free to thrive.5. GBVF YOUTH AMBASSADORS PROGRAMME
A peer-led support and advocacy initiative for youth affected by Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Ambassadors provide safe spaces, run awareness campaigns, and lead trauma support groups. They also distribute dignity packs and food parcels for families impacted by violence.6. GBVF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (Aftercare Initiative)
Launched to go beyond raising awareness - this programme tackles the roots of GBVF by supporting survivors with counseling, educational resources, dignity packs, and coordinated trauma referrals. It empowers affected youth to heal and become advocates for change in their communities.7. CHILD & FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
Provides counseling, dignity packs, and monthly food parcels to more than 504 families in partnership with SA Harvest. The initiative also runs youth-led clean-up projects to raise awareness about climate change and the importance of clean communities.8. YOUTH EMPOWERMENT (Leadership & Junior Directors)
BrightSpark empowers youth leaders by appointing them to leadership roles - such as Junior Director positions - to model responsibility and resilience. The initiative builds leadership pipelines for young people, proving that those once written off can rise as role models.9. PURPOSE DRIVEN PARTNERSHIPS (C.A.R.E Centre for Vulnerable Youth)
With support from funders like Alan Williams and ProSolutions, BrightSpark established the C.A.R.E Centre - a safe space where vulnerable youth can learn life skills, engage in creative projects, and receive mentorship. It provides uniforms, educational resources, and space for growth.10. YOUTH AMBASSADORS (School4Life Project)
Selected youth serve as Ambassadors, learning to lead while inspiring peers. They act as role models within schools and communities, demonstrating resilience and the possibility of transformation after hardship.11. YOUTH INTERVENTION THROUGH EDUCATION (Henley Business School Partnership)
In partnership with Henley Business School Africa, BrightSpark exposes underprivileged youth - including those at risk of gang involvement - to the world of higher education. The programme gives students their first experience of a university campus, showing them pathways beyond crime and hopelessness.Meet Our Partner Schools →Explore Corporate Partnerships →Help Build A Safer South Africa →
SCHOOL PROGRAMS & PARTNERSHIPS
Schools are at the heart of our mission. By partnering with principals, teachers, parents, and learners, we help build safer, stronger school communities through training, mentorship, and leadership programs that make a lasting impact, leading to change at grassroots level.
1. WORKSHOPS FOR EDUCATORS, PARENTS, AND CHILDREN
Supporting emotional well-being, resilience, and communication with tailored workshops that engage learners and their families.2. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND CAMPS
Empowering prefects and future leaders through leadership competitions, interactive camps, and skill-building workshops to become mentors, and community leaders, thereby breaking cycles of violence, and creating change in society.3. CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICY TRAINING
Helping schools meet their duty of care with practical training and resources to create safe, inclusive environments for every child, as required by South African law.4.SCHOOL SAFETY OFFICERS PROGRAM
A flagship program aimed at training unemployed youth to become safety officers and mentors in schools - creating safer spaces while providing employment and purpose, and leading to safer schools, communities, and society.
TOGETHER WE'RE BUILDING SAFER SCHOOLS. SAFER COMMUNITIES. A SAFER SOUTH AFRICA.See All Our Programs →Book A Workshop →Fund A Safer School →
MEDIA & NEWS
From 28 Number General to youth mentor, Welcome Witbooi’s powerful story of transformation, his message of 'one act of kindness', his school safety initiatives, and candid talks of combatting gang culture have been featured across leading media platforms.Follow Welcome's Journey→Help Build A Safer South Africa→
It takes a lot of guts to leave the feared 28s gang, but Welcome Witbooi did just that...Read Article →
Leadership lessons from gang life turned into mentorship, empowerment, and business growth.Read Article →
Meet the 28s General who left the Number and lived to tell the tale
A gripping feature on Welcome Witbooi’s rare and courageous journey - from prison gang hierarchy to community transformation.
Read Article →
A Gang Boss Turned Human Rights Defender
An inspiring profile of Welcome’s mission to break the cycle of violence and guide youth toward a life of purpose.
Read Article →
OUR PARTNERS
Real change happens when we work together. These partners - from law enforcement and global businesses to education leaders and local NGOs - share our commitment to building safer schools, empowering youth, and driving community transformation across South Africa.Explore Corporate Partnerships →Follow Welcome's Journey →Help Build A Safer South Africa →
FEATURED IN TV, RADIO & PODCASTS
Welcome Witbooi and BrightSpark Foundation SA have been featured on platforms like Metro FM, Unpacked with Relebogile Mabotja, and the King David Studio Podcast. These interviews spotlight his transformation journey, his youth mentorship work, and efforts to build safer schools and stronger communities across South Africa.Follow Welcome's Journey→Help Build A Safer South Africa→
In 2017, I had to step back into my past to face my own darkness - and choose forgiveness. Appearing in the film The Forgiven, I learned firsthand that healing and transformation are only possible when we break the curse of pain and violence. This moment shaped not only my journey from prison to purpose but also my mission to help others - young people, families, and communities - find their own path to forgiveness and healing.Welcome Witbooi appears in the film The Forgiven (2017), directed by Roland Joffé. The movie centers on Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s emotional journey with a convicted murderer seeking redemption through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It echoes Welcome’s own story of transformation - from prison to purpose - which adds a powerful layer to his mission of mentoring youth, fostering healing, and building safer communities.
Contact
Want to book a workshop, partner with BrightSpark Foundation SA, or bring Welcome to your next event?Use the form below and let us know how we can work together to create lasting impact.
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