Unemployment, lack of information, and drug and alcohol abuse are the most common words that you come across when researching on South African youth. It’s the shocking disputable truth, yes, however, I believe that there is more to our story than all the negatives the world is being fed.
There is a scary untold truth the world does not know about us. We are more than teenage mothers and school drop outs. We are more than a bunch of drug addicts who have unprotected sex. Yes, there is a positive side to South African youth that never hits the front page of national newspapers, and it is about time the world gets to know about these unsung heroes.
They may not be rocket scientists or Nelson Mandela’s, however, the work that these ordinary South Africans do has an incredible impact in the lives of those they dedicate their invaluable time to. In dedication to the first article of this amazing new blog I have decided to introduce you to some of these unsung heroes. In their own raw, unedited words, and in no particular order, here they are!
1. Dakalo Mulima ( Facebook: Dala Dakalo Mulima )
” I am a simple, independent, ambitious and hardworking young leader with a burning passion to help others. “
” I am eager to explore new challenges and ways to improve our beloved country into a safer, happier and joyful place for everyone. I am a person, who when presented with an opportunity, I grab it with both hands and take great pleasure in applying my abilities to new tasks.
It is my dream to see the youth of South Africa, especially those from small and underprivileged backgrounds, having instant access to information, resources, tertiary institutions and jobs.
The youth should realise their potential, understand the power of having the right attitude, look beyond the current obstacles and dare dream big!”
2. Mduduzi Vilakazi ( Facebook: Mduduzi Vilakazi )
” I did it because I wanted to be the change I always talk about “
” This Mandela day I was cleaning the streets of Hillbrow. It was shocking to see the condition the people there live under and still manage to survive.
We always complain about our dirty streets, but no one actually wants to do anything about it, so I used Mandela day to finally take a step and do something about our streets.
I actually realised that we shouldnt do this on Mandela day only, but instead it should be a norm. I enjoyed myself and wouldnt mind doing it over and over again.”
3. Ntombi Shange ( Facebook: Thabitha Ntombi )
” I was left feeling satisfied to know that they will be warm this winter “
” I identified a family in extension 14 that is in dire need of every form of assistance.
It is a family of 7 living in a small RDP house. The breadwinner, that was the father, left them last year and they have since been living off handouts from community members.
My family and I decided to give them blankets this Mandela day. We were very satisfied to know that they will be warm.”
4. Avuyile Dume
” One of the street vendors expressed his gratitude by giving us a bag of naartjies which moved me because it showed me that I had made a difference in someones life “
” Equipped with dustbins, spades and spades, I and a couple of South Pointers went to MES in Hillbrow this Mandela day to offer our hands and time.
We got our hands dirty by picking up some papers and sweeping the streets.
While at my task I realised the importance of having a clean environment, especially in a place where a number of children reside.
I now have a desire to do more for others everyday and not just for Mandela day.”
5. Morelearn Moswane ( Facebook: Moswane Mafule Morelearn )
” The story is still unfolding, the best is yet to come and the best pages of our lives yet to be written.”
“I am a solution-orientated and purpose driven educational activist who encourages the culture of reading and academic success.
May youthfulness, selflessness, and excellence continue to prevail among young people. Over and above we must never ever forget that we are the ones we have been waiting for!”
6. Mbali
“I think serving people, especially in a hospital, is an ideal way of taking care of peoples emotional and physical needs selflessly.”
“I do community service at Botshelong hospital. I accompany doctors to the wards and assist were I can. At some point I was a porter, helping patients to the dressing rooms, pharmacies and helping them back to the wards.
It is very encouraging just to be told you are fine and that there is someone who loves you and cares for you, motivating you to not give up. It made me realize that sometimes the best gift you can ever give to someone in need if you cant afford material things is love, hope, encouragement and most importantly,
prayer.”
7. Amina Yuda
“This organisation is about giving people that opportunity to do what they want.”
” FSG is an Australian NPO which stands for Freedom, Social Justice and Growth. Through it they promote the three and help empower people who are suffering injustices.
My group and I made candles that the organisation will sell. The proceeds will go towards helping the people that the organisation wants to help.
I am happy I was able to contribute to touching a life.”
8. Caswell Matsemela
“#Standardbank Human Capital Team!”
” We donated money for buying a mobile library which cost us R52000. On Mandela day we painted it for our 67 minutes.
We handed it over to the kids who are in need of a library and we also donated books for those kids.”
These are definitely not the only or most important unsung heroes. There are many many more whose stories are yet to be told. WATCH THE SPACE!!
( Do share the link with everyone!)
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