Songezo Zibi was born in 1975 in Mqanduli what was then the rural apartheid Bantustan of the Transkei and today is the Eastern Cape.

While working at XStrata, Zibi was one of the co-founders of the 'Midrand Group' along with Prince Mashele, Mzukisi Qobo and Brutus Madala.

In 2021, Zibi co-founded the think tank along with Lukhona Mnguni and Lorato Tshenkeng, the Rivionia Circle, aimed at deepening political participation in South Africa.

In April 2023, Zibi left Rivonia Circle and co-founded the political party Rise Mzansi, becoming its first national leader.

[7] Rise joined the Government of National Unity (GNU), but was not allocated any positions in the Cabinet, nor any deputy ministers.

[8] On 10 July 2024 the House of Assembly elected Zibi as chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA).

[9] In his capacity as a journalist and writer, Zibi covers South African politics and policy, economics and social dynamics.