Mark Sham is a dynamic entrepreneur, author, and speaker from South Africa, known for his passionate advocacy for informal education and his commitment to supporting small businesses. Mark’s entrepreneurial journey is remarkable, given that he was expelled from school at 17 and has no formal education. Instead, he mastered the world of informal education, leveraging his experiences and self-taught knowledge to propel his career forward.

Mark is the founder of several innovative ventures:

Suits & Sneakers: A social enterprise dedicated to revolutionising education. Suits & Sneakers hosts events and creates content aimed at promoting lifelong learning through informal education. The organisation believes in the power of continuous learning to stay relevant in today’s fast-paced world.

The Tryst: A multi-purpose content creation hub located in Johannesburg. The Tryst features a hybrid event space, video studios, training areas, and a bar. It serves as a collaborative space for bold brands and innovative ideas, helping individuals and companies create meaningful and engaging content.

Like a Tourist: This venture focuses on creating unique travel content that highlights the beauty and diverse experiences available in South Africa. Like a Tourist aims to inspire both locals and visitors to explore and appreciate the country’s many hidden gems.

Through his various initiatives, Mark aims to contribute to the future success and prosperity of South Africa. His story is one of overcoming adversity and using unconventional means to achieve success, serving as an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs and lifelong learners.

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29 January 2026
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18 November 2025
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30 July 2024
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