Salatiso Lonwabo Mdeni
Father
OHS & Risk Expert | Author | Social Entrepreneur | Fathers, Boys and Family Rights Advocate
"I am a father to my son; all else is a means to this end."
Navigate through to learn more about my journey, ventures, and how we can connect.
My Journey
My path has been one of continuous learning, adaptation, and a deep-seated drive to make a meaningful impact. From humble beginnings in rural Transkei to navigating complex risk landscapes, my experiences have shaped my perspective. My career began in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), evolving into broader expertise in Risk Management and Compliance.
My Drive & Motivation
At the heart of everything is my role as a father: "I am a father to my son; all else is a means to this end." This extends to my responsibilities as an Umlandeli (successor) to my father, Mlandeli Nelson Mdeni, upholding our Xhosa family legacy. This includes being an uncle, a father-figure, a dutiful son, and provider. The names in our lineage – Mlandeli (successor), Salatiso (guide), and Sazisi (introducer, for my son Sazi, "Baza Kusazi!") – reflect a legacy of guidance and responsibility. This commitment fuels my passion for education, self-sufficiency, and equality.
Timeline of Key Milestones
Born in Transkei, Eastern Cape
Raised in rural Transkei (Fort Malan, Nqabane, Songwevu, Mahasane). Early education often under a tree or in community churches. Key locations: Fort Malan (birthplace vicinity: 32°09'03"S 28°31'25"E), Nqabane (father's home: 31°55'37"S 28°21'40"E), Mahasane (first school: 32°20'10"S 28°43'35"E), Lencane (rented home: 32°08'30"S 28°19'55"E; Lencane Primary: 32°08'41"S 28°20'30"E), Drayini (childhood home: 32°08'09"S 28°20'39"E), Matolweni School (approx. 32°08'13"S 28°20'39"E).
Secondary Education
Matriculated from Kiriyatswane Secondary School, Mbalenhle, Mpumalanga. Excelled academically, earning awards in poetry, physics, Xhosa, and biology. Developed an early interest in health and safety.
Tertiary Education & Certifications
National Diploma in Environmental Health, TUT (2002). Served as student representative. B-Tech in Environmental Health, TUT (2008). MDP, GIBS (2008). Numerous OHS and Risk certifications.
Dept. of Health, Eastern Cape
Junior Environmental Health Practitioner. Conducted inspections, community education, research on informal vendor hygiene.
Anglo Platinum
Ventilation & Occupational Hygiene Trainee, then Technologist. Awarded "Best Trainee" (2004). Acted in senior roles.
SARCC Metrorail
SHE Manager. Revamped programs, established occupational hygiene, led national rollout.
Yeyethu Trust
Founder & Project Manager. Awarded academic excellence in Lencane and Matolweni schools.
Liberty Group Properties
EHS Manager. Addressed DoL investigation post-incident, implemented robust OHS systems. Headhunted by ABSA.
Barclays Africa Group (ABSA)
EHS Consultant & Risk Specialist. Developed national asbestos program. Coordinated safe evacuations.
5G Property Consultants
Managing Director. Consultancy for clients like Ster-Kinekor, Mine Investment Corp, Alexander Forbes.
Telkom (CRES) / Gyro Group
Specialist: Risk, Audit, Business Continuity. Instrumental in designing compliance structures. Led risk management.
Advisor, Author, Publisher & Social Entrepreneur
Creating e-learning content, advising on risk/compliance. Authored "Safety First" series.
Authored Works & Publications
I have contributed numerous articles to the National Safety Magazine. Here are a few:
- Overcoming educational challenges (Sept-Oct 2020)
- Learning online, The safe and affordable way (May-June 2020)
- Working from home, beyond COVID-19 (April 2020)
My journey is a testament to resilience, continuous growth, and the unwavering belief in the power of applying one's skills to create a safer, more equitable world, starting with the foundations of family and community.
My Ventures & Passions
SafetyHelp
Launching June 1, 2025, an online platform simplifying OHS compliance for businesses, schools, and informal sectors with tools for risk assessments, training, and management.
Visit SafetyHelp
Sazi Learning
Inspired by my son, Sazi, this platform focuses on personalized education, homeschooling resources, and preserving Xhosa language and culture.
Explore Sazi.life
Flamea
Promoting Equality before the Law, through education, Flamea provides learning opportunities for underserved communities and advocates for fathers' rights and family equality.
Learn about Flamea
Author & Thought Leader
I share insights through books, articles, e-learning content, and creative writing, including poetry, focusing on OHS, risk, personal development, and cultural narratives.
Digital Creator & Tech Innovator
Leveraging self-taught web development skills to build impactful platforms like salatiso.com, safetyfirst.help, flamea.org, and sazi.life.
View My Portfolio
Family & Community Pillar
My commitment extends to being a father-figure, an uncle, a dutiful son, and a provider for my mother and sisters, nurturing a strong family and community foundation.
Core Expertise
Specializing in OHS Management, Risk Management & Auditing, Business Continuity, Emergency Response, Training Development, Occupational Hygiene, and Website Development.
Learn More
DIY & Home Improvement
Passionate about hands-on work: woodworking, plumbing, welding, and IT projects, embodying self-sufficiency and practical problem-solving.
Watch DIY Projects
Homeschooling Advocate
Actively homeschooling my son, Sazi, integrating learning into daily life and developing resources through the Sazi platform to support others.
Read "The Homeschooling Father"
Avid Reader & Lifelong Learner
A firm believer in uncertified knowledge, I'm an avid reader and audiobook enthusiast. Authors like Thomas Sowell, Steven Pinker, and Richard Dawkins profoundly shape my perspectives.
My Books
Explore my collection of works, including eBooks, Audiobooks, and Paperbacks. Many are also accessible for free on my YouTube Channel. These works share lived experiences, Xhosa wisdom, and professional insights.
My Highly Recommended Reads
- Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell
- Knowledge and Decisions by Thomas Sowell
- The Thomas Sowell Reader by Thomas Sowell
- Charter Schools and Their Enemies by Thomas Sowell
- Applied Economics: Thinking Beyond Stage One by Thomas Sowell
- A Personal Odyssey by Thomas Sowell
- The Quest for Cosmic Justice by Thomas Sowell
- The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature by Steven Pinker
- How the Mind Works by Steven Pinker
- The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined by Steven Pinker
- The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
- The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins
- The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins
- Debt: The First 5,000 Years by David Graeber
- 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- 33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene
- Evolution Impossible: 12 Reasons Why Evolution Cannot Explain the Origin of Life on Earth by Dr. John F. Ashton
- The Case Against Education: Why the Education System Is a Waste of Time and Money by Bryan Caplan
- The Boy Crisis by Warren Farrell PhD & John Gray PhD
Many of my titles are also available on Takealot and Apple Books.
Let's Connect
I'm always open to collaborations, discussions on OHS, risk management, entrepreneurship, education, or if you'd just like to learn more about my work.
Email: salatiso@salatiso.com