Amonge Sinxoto, now 23 years old, became a public figure and respected voice in her teens for being bold, visionary and future-facing in her messaging. She co-founded an organisation called Blackboard Africa inspired by her experience as “a black girl attending a PWI (predominantly white institution),” as she describes it. She and her cousin used their newly founded organisation to create a platform for young people to express their needs and exercise their rights and since then Blackboard Africa and its programmes which include youth seminars and workshops have been a major voice for African youth.
This catapulted Amonge onto the international stage. Since Blackboard Africa’s founding in 2016 she’s been a notable global youth leader as one of UNICEF’s Voices of Youth, she was also personally selected to attend a Black Girls Rock round table with former USA First Lady Michelle Obama, has been a TEDx speaker, one of the leading voices at Global Citizen among many other accolades, all before reaching the age of 21.
YourLuxury Africa tasked Amonge to interview and write about three incredible women who each defy societal norms where age is concerned (read her poignant piece in the August issue). We caught up with her to shoot the breeze about all things life and luxury.
Someone I admire deeply is my mother. She has an incredible ability to bring out the best in those around her. Watching her lead has always been a source of inspiration for me. Another woman I look up to is my aunt. She is a creative who has always stood on her own two feet and found her way in an industry that isn’t always receptive to hearing Black female voices. A young lady that so many look up to, looks up to… Zuilakha Patel, Caster Semenya, Amanda Gorman, Graca Machel, Zanele Mbeki
My last trip out of the country was to Disneyland. It was the first time in a long while that I travelled purely for leisure. I got some much-needed rest and had the chance to live out my wildest childhood dreams. I saw everything Disney-related, ate way too much junk food, and it was incredibly magical.
My favourite city in the world has to be New York City. I was born and bred in Joburg, so I would consider myself a New York City girl through and through. There is no place like it on Earth. I love that everything under the sun is available there—from theatre, museums, art, and music to every kind of food and countless quirky, unique experiences. New York City is a melting pot of culture and everything that makes me light up.
The peak, pinch myself moments of my career over the last 7 years have to include my final year of high school when one of my mentors encouraged me to reflect on the goals I wanted to achieve. I wrote down that I wanted to deliver a TEDx talk, and I started thinking about what I would speak about, along with other goals on my list. Just about three months later, I was given the opportunity to give that TEDx talk. It was an incredibly surreal moment because it showed me the power of having clear objectives for yourself and your life.
Another huge moment was meeting former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama. Having the opportunity to learn from her, and hearing her say that she was excited to learn from me, was truly unforgettable. Seeing my children’s book published was another deeply meaningful experience. It wasn’t just my story; it was also my sister’s story, my mother’s story, and so many others’. Seeing it finally materialise was one of the most beautiful moments ever.
The last really good book I read was The Soft Life by Lebohang Masango. It’s a beautiful and insightful exploration of modern femininity, wealth, and social hierarchy, particularly through the lens of Black women. The way it delves into how we engage in romantic relationships was especially thought-provoking for me. I found it incredibly insightful.
My ‘lust-have’ list of luxury items includes The Cartier Reflection bracelet, Megan Markle wore the reflection collection at her royal wedding. It has been at the top of my lust-have princess list ever since. I am obsessed with Thome Browne and would adore a suit that is personally tailored for me. An original Jean-Michel Basquiat art piece. African luxury brands I love include Thebe Magugu, Viviers Studio, anything from Merchants on Long
My ‘next’ looks a little something like releasing another children’s book focused on an endangered African species, which is set to be published towards the end of 2024. Additionally, I’m working on a pre-teen chapter book that explores high school life and the social pressures that accompany it, scheduled for release in 2025. I’m also planning to further my education, with a specific focus on business leadership and diversity and inclusion. On a personal level, I have a deep passion for cooking, and I want to immerse myself in learning about different techniques, flavours, and how various cultures interact with food. This is something I intend to continue exploring as part of my future journey.
