100 Ekurhuleni Shining Stars - Inside Education Inspiring Minds
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Together we can grow our
City and build an inclusive
world-class metro where
young people can confidently
pursue their dreams and
aspirations.
City of Ekurhuleni Executive
Mayor Cllr Mzwandile Masina
100 Ekurhuleni Shining Stars
a partnership that works
www.ekurhuleni.gov.za
2 FEBRUARY 2019
FOREWORD 100 EKURHULENI SHINING STARS
Spotlight on young
community builders
MZWANDILE MASINA young people who have taken it upon
T
themselves to build a brighter future
he recognition of the City of within their communities.
Ekurhuleni’s 100 Shining Stars These are young people excelling in
is key to the future develop- the fields of education, health, justice
ment of young leaders in our and law, arts and culture, science and
metro and the promotion of active technology, business and entrepreneur-
citizenry within our communities. ship, environmentalism, civil society,
Ekurhuleni cannot afford to neglect its philanthropy, politics and governance.
rapidly growing youth population and
expect to exploit effectively its demo- BRIGHT MINDS ABOUND
graphic dividend without taking active Without a doubt, the City of Ekurhu-
participation in the development of the leni is bursting with bright minds.
youth and their future. City of Ekurhuleni The Ekurhuleni shining stars have
Despite the plethora of socio-econom- Executive Mayor Cllr made their parent’s proud, their com-
ic challenges we face as a City, we have Mzwandile Masina munity proud and the entire City
taken decisive steps in building a pro- proud. Together we can grow our City
poor government that seeks to empow- and build an inclusive world-class met-
er its citizens to become self-sufficient ro where young people can confidently
participants within our local economy. pursue their dreams and aspirations.
On behalf of the City, we would like to
YOUTH SKILLS CENTRAL thank the organisers of the 100 Shining
Ekurhuleni cannot develop into Af- Stars Awards, the officials who made
rica’s First Aerotropolis City without as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. sadors of the future vision of the City of the day possible and community mem-
skilled youth, as a result, we have de- In tandem, to support this initiative Ekurhuleni. bers present here this afternoon.
cided to take practical steps in devel- we have increased our Mayoral Bursary Young people must aspire emulate We wish all the nominees well in
oping the City’s first ever University of Fund from R10 million to R100 million these Shining Stars and display the val- their future endeavours and we en-
Applied Sciences. in order to educate as many young peo- ues of hard work, perseverance and the courage them to continue their good
The university will focus on the future ple as possible within our City. pursuit of excellence in their daily en- work in building our beautiful city.
skills required to become productive in The nominees of the 100 Shining Stars deavours. ■City of Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor
the age of the Industrial 4.0, also known have the responsibility to act as ambas- This afternoon we seek to honour Cllr Mzwandile Masina
FEBRUARY 2019 3
100 EKURHULENI SHINING STARS EDUCATION
Providing educational solutions
LUNGILE MAILE these initiatives Xaka managed to bring
Phelokazi Magewana
ALBERTON down the levels of crime and gender-
LUNGILE MAILE (32) is the founder based violence in the areas he operates.
of the Nubian Smart, an edtech start-
up based in the East of Johannesburg. SBEKEZELO NXUMALO
Nubian Smart specialises in creating VOSLOORUS
mobile educational games aimed at SBEKEZELO NXUMALO(31) was
making learning fun. A true believer born in KwaZulu-Natal but lives in Vo-
in the power of education, Maile is sloorus. After obtaining a diploma in
determined to create innovative and marketing from Boston Media House,
engaging educational solutions that he struggled to find a job but never lost
empower the African child. Shortly hope. He joined community organisa-
after she founded her company, Maile tions such as Lovelife SA, SANCA and
received several accolades including the ANC Youth League to keep him-
featuring in the top 20 of the first Cell self busy but also to learn as much as
C Hangman Reality Show, 2017 Google he could. Through his involvement in
Developers Launchpad, alumni of the these organisations Nxumalo learned
Tony Elumelo Entrepreneurship Pro- about community of development. He
gramme and recently her company ex- and his friend subsequently launched
hibited at the prestigious South African his own initiative, a journal called Sta-
Innovation Summit. To crown it all, in Belusi Mahlangu root. The journal is online-based and
2018 she was among 50 most inspiring an interactive platform that publishes
woman in South Africa and also won also hosts Master classes to promote volved in a number of worthy causes content aimed at the youth. It provides
Pioneer Foods Community Champion. environmental education in Ekurhuleni in the communities of Katlehong and them with the latest information on
Maile used her extensive background in by planting trees at schools. An excel- Duduza. She is particularly interested jobs, bursaries and scholarship. It is
FMCG as a basis to explore innovative lent public speaker, this talent saw him in the development of the youth espe- popular with youth as it provides them
solutions to improve the standard of address high profile events such as the cially girls. She has established a proj- with updates. It is easy to use, easily ac-
education in the country. African Union and the British Parlia- ect called ‘Basetsana Girls Mentorship cessible and easy to share via other so-
ment. Sikhosana has also won several Programme’. Sishi strongly believes that cial platforms such as WhatsApp and
LEBOGANG DAVID MOLAPO prestigious awards, among them the educating and training women is a long Facebook.
KATLEHONG Gauteng Premier Excellence Awards, term investment and that an empow-
LEBOGANG DAVID MOLAPO (22) Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South ered girl is able to withstand the pres- SIPHO NGCOBO
is not only an inspiration to the youth Africans and 100 Young Mandelas. He sures and challenges that most of them TSAKANE
but a role model with drive and a never- was the youth ambassador of the Kudu face in the townships. She teaches and SIPHO NGCOBO (23) is a smart
say-die attitude. He is a perfect example Green initiative that teaches young kids teaches them essential skills that enable young man, a goal-oriented and aspir-
who defied the odds to achieve great about environmental conservation in them to cope with challenging life situ- ing entrepreneur. While growing up he
things. Through his LD Molapo Foun- partnership with the South African Na- ations. As a gym instructor, Sishi pro- realised the socio-economic challenges
dation, he set up several social initia- tional Parks and the city of Ekurhuleni’s vides fitness classes for free at Amanxu- his community of Tsakane faced and felt
tives including motivational tours to OR Tambo Narrative Centre. ba Community Church. She encourages that he needed to get involved to resolve
schools and prisons where more than girls to keep fit and to make sure they them. The high level of crime among
8,000 learners and 100 prisoners ben- PHELOKAZI MAGEWANA are always engaged in regular physical the youth bothered him. Because of
efited; Festive Care through which he TSAKANE and extra-mural activities. his foresight and leadership qualities
donates food and clothes to disability PHELOKAZI MAGEWANA (26) is he was elected into the top five struc-
centres; an annual soccer and netball a selfless and passionate educator at THOKOZANI XAKA ture of the Local Community Policing
Grand 16 Tournament in which four Dalpark Secondary School. She is an DUDUZA Forum and he made sure he mobilised
soccer and seven netball teams take admirable role model and a mentor for THOKOZANI XAKA (29) is an avid the youth to be actively involved in the
part. The tournament also promotes young girls at her school. The Tsakane- community builder who drives skills forum. He regularly engaged the youth
the township economy where youth- born educator goes out of her way to development under the banner of through mentoring and providing
owned businesses are allowed to sell ensure the needs of every learner, par- Mastergucci National Youth Builder guidance. Ngcobo is a selfless and car-
their products. An academic support ticularly girls, are met. Programme. To date, Xaka has trained ing person who uses his own resources
programme called One Education for She formed study groups to help im- thousands of youth around Duduza, to help others, especially the youth. As
All helps learners achieve better results. prove the academic performance of Tsakane and Kwa-Thema in partner- an orphan, he uses his personal circum-
He encourages learners from grades 10 the learners around her area. Every ship with the National Home Builders stances to motivate other youths so they
to 12 to take up STEM subjects. year Magewana she raises funds to help Registration Council (NHBRC) and
needy girls to buy school uniforms, Construction Education Training Au-
KWANDILE MHLABA SIKHOSANA shoes as well as take part in the matric thority (CETA). The programme also PRODUCTION TEAM
DAVEYTON dance. She is also actively involved in promotes entrepreneurship among the
Editor: Charles Molele
KWANDILE MHLABA SIKHOSA- netball as a coach. youth. Xaka is also credited with the
Associate Editor: Phindile Xaba
NA (27) is a driven and an inspiring THANDIWE SISHI successful implementation of the De-
DUDUZA Writers: Doreen Zimbizi, Jobe Sithole,
young man. He established 14 libraries partment of Correctional Services Skills
Siza Mthimkhulu and Thabo Mohlala
across South Africa, seven of them in THANDIWE SISHI (27) is a moti- Development Programme. Such is his
Graphic designer: Lefokopele Media
Ekurhuleni. He is eager to help youths vated and energetic single-mother and commitment that he uses his own mon-
Photographer: Raymond Mokoena
around him and to date he has trained a committed community builder in- ey to train the youth in prison. Through
more than 500 in
strategic areas
such as proj-
ect manage- Lebohang
ment and David Molapo
entrepre-
neurship.
Sikhosana Nsizwa Ndaba
Kwandile Mhlaba Sikhosana
a partnership that works
www.ekurhuleni.gov.za
4 FEBRUARY 2019
EDUCATION 100 EKURHULENI SHINING STARS
too can overcome their own adversities. preciate the significance of education.
She helps them with homework, proj-
BAFANA PHILLEMON TSHILI ects and assignments. She goes around
TSAKANE local schools to hold talks and address
BAFANA PHILEMON TSHILI (22) is learners about a range of issues that can
an enthusiastic and self-motivated per- potentially curtail their education such
son who is generous and always will- as engaging in unprotected sex, alcohol
ing to help other people, particularly and drug abuse.
his peers. He prioritises education and
would go an extra mile to help learn- SARAH MADINGWANA
ers to do well at school. As part of this, DAVEYTON
he founded #HelloMatric, a campaign SARAH MADINGWANA (24) is
through which he seeks to motivate and a true ambassador of literacy as part
ensure Grade 12 learners are adequately of a group of young people that advo-
prepared for their final examination. cate for literacy. As the Department
This involves organising extra classes; of Basic Education grapples with the
inviting motivational speakers, peer poor literacy levels among the children
teaching and other forms of assistance. in the lower grades, it should tap into
Consistent with his generosity to date Tebogo Maselasela Bafana Phillemon Tshili the passion and skills of people such as
the campaign has impacted hundreds Madingwana. She has displayed an in-
of learner in more than 11 secondary across the country. Kethwa says she especially to get them school uniforms, credible natural connection with chil-
schools in Ekurhuleni. Tshili is also in- launched the magazine after she re- shoes, books and food. So selfless is dren and also believes in the power of
volved in another project called #Let- alised that a lot of “amazing positive he that to date he has volunteered for reading. The results of the recent stud-
sAskThem, whose aim is to help net- things are happening in schools and nearly a year. She has since decided to ies by the global body that administers
work the youth with influential people colleges and yet do not get reported pursue teaching as a career. literacy tests among foundation phase
for mentorship. Others initiatives in- about by the mainstream media”. So the learners show that South African learn-
clude #DressAnOrphan This Christmas magazine is meant to fill in this void. NSIZWA NDABA ers performed badly. The majority fail
and Activate 2018 Change Driver. One of its distinctive features is that it TEMBISA to read for meaning or comprehen-
is easily accessible to learners who can NSIZWA NDABA (33)enjoys working sion, compared to their peers in other
TSIETSI SEANE write and record their own stories and with the youth and he goes out of his countries. Madingwana co-founded the
GERMISTON experiences. way to ensure they are adequately taken Daveyton Book Club as a platform to
TSIETSI SEANE (20) is passionate care of. He believes education is the fulfil this mission. She is also a project
about youth development and his mis- TEBOGO OWEN MASELASELA most powerful tool to empower young manager of the Share Your Story Africa
sion is to inspire young people to do DUDUZA people and always leads by example. He programme, created to promote similar
something positive about their lives. TEBOGO OWEN MASELASE- also believes that for the youth to have a objectives.
He provides mentorship and guidance LA(33) is a good and dependable team smooth academic journey, they should
to the youth to ensure they are able to leader, one who the community can rely receive effective support, particularly in MELUSI MAHLANGU
cope with the challenges associated on. He is a born leader and possesses pure maths and accounting and physi- IVORY PARK
with adolescence as most of them end excellent communication and business cal sciences. He feels these subjects are MELUSI MAHLANGU (32) believes
up involved in crime and drugs. He be- skills. He is also an ethical leader, a crit- critical as they equip learners with vital in the power of education and that with
lieves education is the key priority and ical value that most leaders in politics analytical and problem-solving skills. education any person is guaranteed a
he is always keen to help the youth to and business lack. He relates well to the These, he reckons, are the necessary for secure future regardless of their back-
access the necessary information re- youth and is an influential leader and a them to cope with the challenges relat- ground. His wish is to see more young
lated to education. This includes how good teacher who is always willing to ed to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. people sharing this vision. And to ac-
to apply or register for college, how to assist. Several youths in the community Ndaba is also very vocal and critical complish this dream as well as inspire
secure a bursary and any other relevant have benefited from his kindness and about gender-based violence which af- more youth to study, Mahlangu has
information. He is also involved in an unselfishness. Maselasela loves educa- fects mainly young and vulnerable chil- dedicated the past two years to teaching
important social project which involves tion and he will not hesitate to do any- dren, especially girls. maths and business studies to under-
collecting food parcels, clothing, shelter thing related to it. For instance, most privileged children in Ivory Park. This
and other basic necessities for the needy children struggle to access information BUSIE LUBISI is a voluntary gesture fuelled by his pas-
in the impoverished communities such of where to study and how to apply af- THOKOZA sion for education and the generosity of
as Buhle Park near Germiston. He also ter they complete Grade 12 and that is BUSIE LUBISI (28) believes that to the corporates in the area.
raises health awareness to help reduce where Maselasela comes in. He is able ensure children become responsible Through this initiative
and prevent teenage pregnancy as well to simplify complex processes and pro- adults, society needs to intervene early has he succeeded to
as educate the youth about HIV/AIDS. cedures required by tertiary institutions on when their minds are still malleable. take the kids from the
regarding registration, bursaries and She says raising children with love, streets and given hope
MONICA KETHWA scholarships, learnerships and job op- care and sincerity is a worth- and a sense of purpose
KEMPTON PARK portunities. while long-term investment to them – to have goals
MONICA KETHWA (33) founded that will produce upright and ambition.
a magazine, one of the few that caters LINDOKUHLE MPUNGOSE and grounded leaders to Mahlangu is also mentor-
for schools and colleges in the urban DUDUZA build a better tomorrow. ing young kids to become
and rural areas. The idea behind the LINDOKUHLE MPUNGOSE (19) is Lubisi dedicates most of entrepreneurs. Some of
publication is to provide a platform for a hard-working person always willing her time and resources them run their own busi-
students and educators to, among oth- to help others, particularly the needy. to working closely Sipho Ngcobo nesses and they donate part
ers, share ideas and perspec- He is currently vol- with children help- of their profits to poor and
tives, promote interaction unteering at a ing them to ap- vulnerable children.
among peers, showcase local Com-
their achievements munity Cen-
and more importantly tre in Du-
to promote the cul- duza. He has
ture of learning and a soft spot
teaching in for children
the schools and would
do whatever
it takes to
help them
Sarah Madingwana
Lindokuhle
Mpungose
Jabulani Thabethe
a partnership that works
www.ekurhuleni.gov.za
FEBRUARY 2019 5
100 EKURHULENI SHINING STARS HEALTH
A Healthy Nation, Brighter Future
GENEVA KUYPERS
BENONI
GENEVA KUYPERS (34) is passion-
ate about youth and women. She started
her company, Geneva Projects and Sup-
plies, in 2016 to offer cost-effective oc-
cupational health and safety services
to SMME businesses. She gets them
legally compliant with the OHS ACT
85 of 1993, which ensures compliance
and enhancing quality of life. Kuypers
worked hard amid trying circumstanc-
es to get accreditation but never gae up.
Today she has 16 girls and young
women she is taking through health
and safety courses at no cost. Because of
this initiative, she has been nominated
as an ambassador for the #womenoffor-
titude campaign to continue continue
the work in South Africa, especially in
rural areas. She also has a foundation
called #worthyisshe through which she
encourages young girls from Reiger
Park, Geluksdal, Daveyton, Roode-
poort, Pretoria and Midrand to start
their own companies in occupational
health and safety. #endgirlhate
PULENG MOFOKENG
TSAKANE Knowledge Themba Biyels
PULENG MOFOKENG (22) works
with an organisation called Brave He had been looking for a job for a long KNOWLEDGE THEMBA BIYELA
Queen, which she started with other time. They were familiar with Khumalo DUDUZA
young women to help girls with sani- as his mother had worked there as a KNOWLEDGE THEMBA BIYELA
tary towels. They have adopted 10 cleaner in the in-patient unit before it (28)
girls whom they mentor and educate closed. Once employed at the hospice, has committed his life to helping his
in health issues. She also has a passion he quickly became a ray of sunshine, community in Duduza Township since
for assisting drug addicts and convicts helping nurses and family of patients to he was in high school. He is more pas-
so that they can have a second chance. carry equipment. He is always selfless. sionate about working towards the re-
As a writer, she inspires peo- He tends the garden and although it habilitation of those hooked on drugs
ple through her written was never part of his job descrip- and supporting them back to good
word. She is inspired tion he does this dutifully and health. Biyela has a natural gift of en-
by those who never with a passion seldom seen. gaging with different stakeholders with
give up in life. He has great energy, always ease and this has endeared him to the
volunteering to help with a people of Duduza.
SABELO smile. While the hospice He encourages young people to stay
KHUMALO is a place where families away from drugs, occupying their time
BENONI bring their loved ones to with constructive activities and sup-
S A B E L O be cared for as they face porting those who are already addicted Sabelo Khumalo
KHUMALO (30) their final days in life, visi- back to good health. He does this as a
was offered a job as tors often comment that Sa- board member in various non-gov-
a security guard at the belo’s gentle spirit ernment organisations (NGOs) and
Benoni Hospice and happy face non-profit organisations (NPOs), al- Communities and
in 2017. make it feel ways willing to add value to the com- countries and ultimately
better. munity. Biyela’s organisation Duduza
Stars of Tomorrow has been running the world, are only as
since 2006, and at one point he was the strong as the health of
youngest chairperson of Erase Duduza
working with Local Drug Action Com- their women.”
mittee (LDAC) to tackle the scourge of Michelle Obama
Geneva Kuypers-Tobi drug abuse. Former first lady of the USA
Being of service
PHUMLANI LEPHOTO structure of shacks for our kitchen and hire out the system as well on weekends. NEO MAEPA (30) has been fight-
GERMISTON we also use stretch tents and wooden We have 18 young people working with ing for the emancipation of women, a
PHUMLANI LEPHOTO (26) has tables for our client to chill and eat,” us daily.” Lephoto says they also feed dedicated member of the ANC. She is
been running Chilla Nathi ko Lapeng says Lephoto. locals. a VD co-ordinator in our area. Maepa
for two years in Buhle Park. Clients listen to their favourite music “Ours is a community oriented busi- also organises games for youth to keep
Despite its name, there’s nothing laid as they eat. ness aimed at keeping youths off the them out of trouble. A hard worker and
back about the place which sells food to “The aim is for our clients to enjoy streets by empowering them with busi- go-getter of the highest note, who is
locals. their food while we attract more people ness and cooking skills. now studying LLB however manages to
Situated opposite the Green Valley with our music vibes. We also use our He says they are facing challenges but give herself time to do community and
Shopping Centre, it’s a hive of activity place as a venue for public meetings as he is determined to resolve them to en- organisational work with the youth in
as clients buy everything from ox liver, we have hosted the ANC leadership of sure that the project succeeds. Crystal Park.
skopo, ox hearts and chicken. our area.
It’s a perfect spot as it’s situated at the Most importantly, we use our sound NEO MAEPA
entrance to Buhle Park. “We have a system to teach young people to DJ. We CRYSTAL PARK
a partnership that works
www.ekurhuleni.gov.za
6 FEBRUARY 2019
ARTS AND CULTURE 100 EKURHULENI SHINING STARS
Enlightening society
FANYANA MKHIZE
VOSLOORUS
FANYANA MKHIZE (31) is a com-
munity activist from Vosloorus. Mkh-
ize is the founder of White’lupine (Pty),
a media and entertainment company.
In 2008 he was appointed as a Davey-
ton programme leader for the loveLife
Trust. The following year headed the
youth desk at the Daveyton Police Sta-
tion which organised an awareness
event, Sports Against Crime. In the
same year he served as a volunteer for a
NGO Lifeline which assists child-head-
ed homes in his area.
Mkhize is an event planner for the
Kasi Rhythm Fashion Show, a platform
that seeks to empower aspiring fashion
designers and models.
He has been featured on SABC 1’s
Big Up programme on which he spoke
about his journey. A Boston City Cam-
pus project management graduate,
Mkhize was part of the Brics Business
Council in 2018. In the same year his
life story appeared in the widely read
Daily Sun.
His work revolves around young peo- Happy Charles Sebeko
ple and his daughter. His hope is for her
to grow up in a caring and safe society. gramme. in their areas, on issues such as service an NGO based in KwaThema. She has
In 2015 he founded Generation 2050, delivery. worked tirelessly in developing projects
OBETT MOTAUNG an NPO championing sport, recreation, NELLY NHLAPO for aspiring young artists in Kwa Tsa-
TEMBISA art, culture, education and training in DAVEYTON duza, finding sponsors to fund these
OBETT MOTAUNG (25) is an emerg- the community. NELLY NHLAPO (27) is the founder projects and engaging parents to be
ing filmmaker and theatre director. Nxumalo is part of the management of NN Branding Casting Agency. She involved to support their talented chil-
Armed with an MA in Film and TV team of the Thembisile Development has partnered with Phatsimo Produc- dren.
from the University of Witwa- Forum, the National Youth Develop- tion Projects where she is employed as Thaba also launched the Fun Arts &
tersrand, he has won mul- ment Agency capacity building pro- a PR coordinator. The companies have Fun Play Children’s School Holiday
tiple awards for his creative gramme and Young Communist partnered with the East Rand School programme to keep children off the
work. He is a judge for the League branch secretary in Ward 99. of the Arts to nurture young talent streets by having them actively engage
Naledi Awards, the most Currently he leads the Youth Devel- and help the youth to be the best they with art activities, infotainment games
prestigious theatre awards opment Centre in Windmill can be. Nhlapo and her business part- and educational tours.
in South Africa. Park. ner Maseko run dancing and life skills She recently joined Kwa-TsaDuza
Motaung has di- He says growing up he classes at Chris Hani Sports Park on Times, an online news site as a senior
rected numerous had role models who weekends. editor. Here she mentors young jour-
ground-breaking, sacrificed everything Nhlapo’s passion is youth in the arts. nalists. Passion for young people and
award-winning the- to assist him and his For her arts and culture are more than a making a difference in creative arts is
atre works. His re- peers. It is now his hobby but a fulfilling career. what drives her.
cent film Diphiri Le turn to step up and Acting inspired him while growing As a writer her community inspires
Makunutu won an empower the youth. up. When he left school he was involved her a lot. Her passion about children
award at the Ekurhu- in drama. Now he is all about giving pushes her to help them to realise their
leni International Film ESAU DLAMINI back to the community, using personal dreams.
Festival and was selected DUDUZA experience as a stepping stone for oth-
for the acclaimed Cape ESAU DLAMINI ers who have not been given exposure. MANDLA SIPHIWE MASEKO
Town International Film (30) is the founder NOBUHLE THABA DUDUZA
Festival. and editor of the KWA-THEMA MANDLA SIPHIWE MASEKO (26)
He believes in making the Community Wit- NOBUHLE THABA (23) is the co- is a dance maestro. He was introduced
world a better place through ness newspaper founder of Iso Lembongi Creations, to the arts in 2005 at an organisation
art and is inspired by the which was estab-
beauty in human nature. lished to increase
People crazy enough to be- the readership
lieve in their dreams and brave levels in Duduza
enough to chase them are his and surrounding
reason for living. areas. It is distrib-
uted in schools,
THABANG NXUMALO clinics, commu-
BOKSBURG nity centres, shop-
THABANG NXUMALO (25) ping malls and taxi
started his youth activism at ranks. The publica-
Dawn Park Clinic as a founder tion is the first of its
and team leader of youth friendly kind in Dlamini’s
service in 2007. He was tasked community.
with launching the youth friendly He believes
service at Reiger Park and Dan that an informed
Khubeka Clinics by the Ekurhule- nation is a read-
ni Department of Health. In 2011 ing nation. He wants the community
he joined an Extra School Support to be updated on what is happening
Programme at Windmill Park Pri-
mary School. He recruited young
people to volunteer in the pro- Mandla Simphiwe Maseko Nkosana Tshuma
a partnership that works
www.ekurhuleni.gov.za
FEBRUARY 2019 7
100 EKURHULENI SHINING STARS ARTS AND CULTURE
called Intuthuko Art Production where
his skills in dance, choreography and
performance were honed.
As an experienced dancer he has been
with Sibikoza Art Centre Dance, an ini-
tiative of the Department of Arts and
Culture. Maseko has worked with Esi-
bonisiwe, Via Duduza and Via Simunye
schools and community organisations
promoting the arts.
In 2014 Maseko and his group were
selected to represent SA in a prestigious
dance competition in Europe. They
were crowned Dance Star World Cham-
pions in Croatia.
Dancing is Maseko’s life and it has
opened a lot of doors for him. In return
he pays it forward by empowering the
youth.
KAMOHELO S’KHOSANA
DUDUZA
KAMOHELO S’KHOSANA (28) is a
social activist of note. He has served for
four years in the social development of-
fice of Duduza youth.
S’khosana founded the Duduza Youth
Forum in 2015 but was dissolved due to
lack of participation by young people.
An inspiration to those around him,
he encourages others to punch above
their weight. He is now involved with
the Ubuhle Bamadoda Men’s Forum
based at the old Tsakane Clinic. The
forum seeks to address issues such as
men’s health and also assists those as- Nelly Nhlapo
piring to start their own businesses.
SA’s history, particularly the painful
apartheid past, inspires his.
Visionary leaders such as Robert So-
bukwe and his mother have been the
shining examples of resilience and he
uses the lessons learnt to inspire the community especially the youth, is the
youth. group’s top priority. The sky is not the Lazaros Sumbane
limit for Duduza’s most wanted dancers
HAPPY CHARLES SEBEKO who thrill and educate at the same time.
DUDUZA With youth on his side, there is no stop-
HAPPY CHARLES SEBEKO (34) is ping Mokoena and his crew.
an artist from iknow 2006. Here he dis-
covered his passion for music and dra- J STONE EMINENT
ma. He is also a conductor at an old age GERMISTON
home in Duduza. J STONE EMINENT (28) is an emerg-
He loves senior citizens and spends his ing musician from Germiston. He is
spare time with them. They are a wealth also a poet and Public speaker. Eminent
of information and young people can was recently nominated for the Gordon
learn a lot from the elders who have Art and Media Awards. The young art-
walked the journey of life and have ex- ist proudly flies Ekurhuleni’s flag wher-
perienced its trials and tribulations. ever he goes.
Music is his life and it inspires because
S’PHIWE MOKOENA it has power to unite people of all races
DUDUZA and creed. The songs he composes tell a
S’PHIWE MOKOENA (19) is deeply story about my community and region.
involved with uplifting young people in He also tells stories through poetry.
his community. He leads a group called For him it is important that his music
and poetry deeply reflect communities Rourke Lyte-Mason
Duduza Most Wanted that prides itself
as a leader in pantsula dance. where he comes from. And his duty is
Started ten years ago, the group has to tell those stories, on his people’s be-
seven members. Bringing change to the half.
Esau Dlamini (Art and Culture)
a partnership that works
www.ekurhuleni.gov.za
8 FEBRUARY 2019
ARTS AND CULTURE 100 EKURHULENI SHINING STARS
TLOTLISANG LEHLWESA
DAVEYTON
TLOTLISANG LEHLWESA (24) has Nobuhle Thaba
been working in photography and has
used a combination of his skilful art as
well as his business acumen to start a
multi-media enterprise called Square
Media Production. It offers filming and
photography services.
He works with other young creatives
who produce innovative films, and
curate conscious exhibitions. He com-
pleted his Management Assistant N6
and N5 national certificate in Informa-
tion Technology: System support at the
Ekurhuleni East College.
It was after attending a mentorship
programme that he felt he had a ca-
reer that speaks to his soul. In 2017 he
launched his business in photography/
videography which works on big special
events such as weddings, conferences,
birthday parties and church ceremo-
nies, among others.
FREDDIE THABISO NTANDA
DUDUZA
FREDDIE THABISO NTANDA (32)
aka “Thabslow/The Photographic Poet”
was introduced to photography by a
friend who has since passed on. He took
what was a past time and turned it into
a profession. “A nation without artists
In 2013 he enrolled in a one-year
photography programme, where he is like a boat without
was mentored by Raymond Mokoena radar.”
a photography facilitator. This is where
he learned his skills and was soon estab- - Lefifi Tladi -
lished as a photographer. Internationally-acclaimed poet, visual
artist and jazz singer
In 2016, his photographs that carried a
socially conscious message were exhib-
ited three times. He was part of a docu-
mentary filmmaking crew, Harambee up teaching as Visual Art at the Ben-
BRT Buses, where he started doing his hale Academy, Christian private school
own photo shoots to expose his skills where he still works.
more to the world.
He has covered a couple of events in- NKOSANA TSHUMA
cluding the launch of a local newspaper BENONI
(Community Witness), performed as NKOSANA TSHUMA (18) was born
a poet and recently an event called In- on a farm in Benoni and grew up sur-
goma The Musical. rounded by nature.
He is always willing to take along oth- This environment influenced his love
ers who are thirsty for knowledge, giv- for the outdoors and influenced his fas-
ing them platforms where opportuni- cination with images.
ties are available. His interest is in how the world is rep-
resented through the eyes of others. He
ROURKE LYTE-MASON was drawn to painting at an early age
BRAKPAN to empower youngsters. He has been on a volunteer basis. The funds raised and during his teenage years he ex-
ROURKE LYTE-MASON (24)is a fine curating exhibitions to aid the Rotary by Rotary Club helps educate young plored it further.
artist and art teacher who uses his art Club of Benoni Aurora, help he offers people who are disadvantaged. That resulted in him enrolling for art
When Lyte-Mason completed matric classes.
and took a gap year from 2012-2013 he After completing his course at Art
tried out art at the Art Alive Art School Alive in Benoni, Tshuma delved even
in Benoni, this is where he realised he more into painting. He plays with tex-
wanted to become an artist. tures by using a palette knife and water-
He started studying fine art at the Uni- ing down his paint. It is a collaboration
versity of Johannesburg in 2014 and in between the artist and the canvas.
2015 won the Painting Merit Award at Tshuma mostly uses oil paint. He has
the Ekurhuleni Thami Mnyele Fine Arts turned art into a cash enterprise, and
awards. sells most of his artworks at exhibitions.
In 2016 he made the Top 100 for Sasol He is able to be a part of the industry
New Signatures Art competition as well while he volunteers to help the Rotary
the Top 100 for the Ekurhuleni Thami Club of Benoni Aurora where he cu-
Mnyele Fine Arts award. rates an exhibition.
He was chosen to represent the Uni- Proceeds from that are donated to the
versity of Johannesburg in 2016 and organisation which uses the money he
2017 for the Association of Arts Preto- gets to run programmes that benefit
ria Student Exhibition. young people in need.
In 2017 he achieved the Top 100 for
the Sasol New Signatures again and also
graduated with a National Diploma in
the Arts.
The same year he completed his BA
in Fine Art degree. He so loves sharing
his knowledge of the art that he took
a partnership that works
www.ekurhuleni.gov.za
FEBRUARY 2019 9
100 EKURHULENI SHINING STARS ART AND CULTURE
Readying communities for
4th Industrial Revolution
DEV KOLOBE MAMABOLO (33)
GERMISTON
DEV KOLOBE MAMABOLO (33) is
a qualified scientist and the Ekurhuleni
Expo for Young Scientists organizer.
He promotes young researchers and
scientists in City of Ekurhuleni and the
province. He is also the provincial co-
ordinator of Gauteng. He recruited 25
TUT scientists to volunteer in the City
of Ekurhuleni Expo and also be judges
of the innovation from Ekurhuleni Sci-
entists. Mamabolo was a finalist in the
National Science and Technology Fo-
rum Awards 2010/2011, in the category
of Individual Contribution towards sci-
ence, technology, engineering, mathe-
matics and innovation. He is also a trea-
surer for Cornet M Foundation where
he managed to fundraise R1,4m worth
of Maths, Science and Technology text-
books for underprivileged students in
rural communities. Mamabolo is the
founder of Kolobe Science, Technology
and Arts Academy. He is also involved
in the Prison Visits Campaign where
he organizes youth development pro-
grammes for juvenile inmates, assist-
ing inmates to be able to integrate with
the society on their release from prison.
He is also involved in the science, tech-
nology, engineering and mathematics
community outreach programme of
University of Bristol (UK) Department
of Chemistry as a science communica-
tor. Mamabolo fundraised on a large
scale for various projects among them,
over R1m for SET graduate develop-
ment programmes, e.g., driver’s license,
soft skills training, etc. and curriculum
textbooks worth over R1,5m for disad-
vantaged students and learners.
IAN MANGENA
VOSLOORUS
IAN MANGENA (25) is a social en-
trepreneur, young African leader and
creative activist. She is also the founder
of Digital Girl Africa, a digital hub that
accelerates women towards entrepre-
neurship and employment in digital
technology. It was founded in April
2018 and since its founding she has
hosted a digital storytelling workshop
in Magagula, Ekurhuleni for young Bongani Solly Mbonani
unemployed women. She has hosted
coding bootcamp for teenage girls and AMANDA NOMNQA (21) is an IT providing unlimited Wi-Fi connectivity be better positioned to take part the
also various masterclasses for women in graduate, motivational speaker, founder for them to study online. Fourth Industrial Revolution.
business. Mangena has over three years and chairperson of the ShelsBrave Em- Thela is currently running a career
working experience in civil society powerment project. Her organisation VUSI THELA [ PICTURE IN EDICATION] development programme jointly with
where she has represented the country focuses on learners in primary and high TSAKANE Ikwezi Community Development Or-
in Colombia, United Kingdom, Namib- schools and teaches them to be resilient VUSI THELA (29) is a highly moti- ganisation and a number of youths have
ia and Zimbabwe through her various and to be able bounce back especially in vated person who is involved in numer- already benefited from this initiative.
involvements. She is also a working the face of adversity. She works closely ous community development organisa- Thela has also started #HelloMatric-
group member of the Civil BRICS with schools where she gives motiva- tions in Tsakane, especially the youth. MotivationSpeaker project which helps
Youth Group. She holds a BSc degree tional talks. One such organisation he is involved Grade 12 learners to prepare for their
from Wits University and has also been She mentors about 80 school girls with is iThemba Foundation, where he final exams. He also chairs the Tsakane
accepted to complete her masters in through her monthly empowerment facilitates computer literacy and life Community Choir.
Landscape Architecture in the United sessions that focus on issues that con- skills programmes.
Kingdom. She continues to be an inspi- front girl learners. The programmes address specific
ration to her peers in Ekurhuleni. Nomnqa also runs her own com- needs of the community, particularly
pany e-Connect where she employs15 the youth. For instance, IT and com-
AMANDA NOMNQA young people from her area. Through puter skills are very vital given the rapid
IVORY PARK her community initiative, Nomnqa has advancement of technology.
transformed many lives of the youth by Equipped with IT skills, the youth will
a partnership that works
www.ekurhuleni.gov.za
10 FEBRUARY 2019
ENVIRONMENT 100 EKURHULENI SHINING STARS
Preserving the Environment
THABISO THEJANE
DAVEYTON
THABISO THEJANE (24) is a very
active and inspired young man. Al-
though he takes part in a number of
community-based programmes, his
passion lies in environment. He uses
every opportunity to promote environ-
mental awareness among his peers and
the community.
He is worried by the deteriorating
state and degradation of the environ-
ment in his area.
To make concrete contribution, he has
joined the Daveyton Environmental
Youth Council to encourage youth par-
ticipation and educate his peers about
what practical steps they can take to
save the environment.
He works closely with schools on how
to integrate environmental studies into
the curriculum. Youths who are not at
schools are also trained and given infor-
mation on how they can become part of
the action.
LUCKY SEELA
ETWATWA Marks Montsha
LUCKY SEELA (28) is a facilitator
in turning waste into assets. He is a than 10 people. “Food security is very courage the community to conserve
member of the Daveyton Environment important to sustain people. If many their environment. “ A hygiene con-
Youth Council and trains communities people were trained to understand that scious environment is healthier and
“We all share one
on how to use domestic waste material their role is not only to consume but reduces stress on the public health sys- planet and are one
to generate income. In his personal ca- contribute towards growing food, the tem, as it encourages people to take re-
pacity he uses waste to create jewellery. world would be healthier, more sustain- sponsibility for their own cleanliness.” humanity, there is no
“Nothing is waste,” he says. able and self-sufficient.” escaping this reality.”
JABULILE MKHIZE [NO PICTURE]
KEMPTON PARK - Wangari Maathai (1940 -
MARKS MONTSHA CHARLOTTE MALATSI
TEMBISA WATTVILLE JABULILE MKHIZE (29) is a horti- 2011) -
CHARLOTTE MALATSI (31) is a culturalist who goes beyond the call of Kenyan environmental political activist
MARKS MONTSHA (29) has estab-
and Nobel laureate
lished himself as a leader in his com- young leader in her area who is pursu- duty with her vocation. She is very pas-
munity. He is currently one of the ing eco-guinea. She was trained by the sionate about preserving nature. When
trainees at the Daveyton Environment Daveyton Environment Youth Counsel she is not performing her regular duties
Youth Council in agriculture. He runs a and now runs her own company while she dedicates her weekends to teaching
cooperative to promote food security in also engaging in community clean up the youth about gardening and caring
his area, in which he works with more campaigns in Wattville. This is to en- for the environment.
a partnership that works
www.ekurhuleni.gov.zaFEBRUARY 2019 11
100 EKURHULENI SHINING STARS CIVIL SOCIETY
Rising above the mundane
THOLI THEMBELIHLE NGWENYA
KEMPTON PARK
THOLI THEMBELIHLE NGWENYA
(24) holds a degree in Political Studies
from the University of Pretoria and is
currently pursuing an LLB at the same
university.
She is passionate about improving
herself and those around her through
the work she does in the community of
Ekhuruleni. At Edenglen High School
she held leadership positions as head
girl and SRC chairperson.
That was then when her passion for
empowering youth and her involve-
ment in feminism started. She founded
an NGO called Ubuhlebendalo with
her friends which empowered young
people in Tembisa.
She was also involved in Cancer aware-
ness campaigns, while helping at local
orphanages. While at UP in Tshwane
she continued her activism through the
#FeesMustFall and #AfrikaansMustFall
movements and paid dearly for it.
She was arrested for protesting against
the language policy at UP.
Her various leadership positions in
SASCO Tukkies branch, the Young
Communist League at UP and now the MPHO SALIMINAH MOFOKENG manitarian who emulates the great also believes that education is the basis
ANCYL chairperson at the university, (28) is a natural born leader and com- likes of Nelson Mandela and Mother for progress. She collects and provides
she has been able to continue the stu- munity builder who loves supporting Theresa. Life 4 U Foundation provides vulnerable children and orphans with
dents’ struggle for a better future. BET the poor and the marginalised. Mofo- much needed after-school care and educational toys to give them a better
under the campaign #BlackGirlsRock, keng has helped many people in fight- support to needy children in Tembisa chance at life.
honoured her for her community work. ing poverty and providing sanitation – through homework support, reading He after school programmes include
Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ products in schools. South Africa is programmes and numeracy activities, homework supervision. An activist at
Tholi_tee blessed to have young leaders such as physical stimulation and recreation ac- heart, she is working on campaigns to
Mofokeng who volunteer daily to build tivities in a safe environment. raise awareness on teenage pregnancy
MPHO SALMINAH MOFOKENG a prosperous nation. L4U feeding scheme feeds 20,000 chil- and drug abuse.
TEMBISA She is a visionary and a young hu- dren annually; supports 1,300 widows
and orphans around SA with food par- THANDOLWETHU MBALO
cels and clothes. BOKSBURG
Melissa Lynes
Between 150 and 200 needy learners THANDOLWETHU MBALO (33)
from Ivory Park and Tembisa receive has been involved in Youthzone since
school uniforms annually while Wash 2012 across as a youth co-ordinator.
4 Life Schools Hygiene programme Youthzone is a peer to peer network
reaches more than 6,000 learners. through which youth from 45 disad-
vantage communities across South Af-
MELISSA LYNES rica, Mozamibique and Zimbabwe use
BENONI sports, life skills, enterprise develop-
MELISSA LYNES (32) is a member of ment and indigenous games to improve
the Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora. their lives.
She is involved in numerous commu- Mbalo is an outstanding young leader
nity projects and charitable causes, in- who goes above and beyond. He is an
cluding helping the John Wesley Com- extremely positive and dependable
munity Centre to build a playground in leader.
Etwatwa. A wife and a new mom, she is
passionate about creativity and believes
in the transformative power of design.
Through her design business, Lyne De-
sign, she assists charities by creating “I will not allow the
communication pieces that help them
get their message out and inspire oth- selfless efforts of my
ers to take action. She believes in people
uniting to create lasting change not just
husband and his friends
in their own community, but across the to be abandoned. I will
globe.
continue the struggle
SELINA NKOMONDE
DUDUZA
for a free and equal
SELINA NKOMONDE (33) is a social South Africa.”
auxiliary worker in the Nigel Carling - Winnie Madikizela-Mandela -
community where she helps orphans (First Black Social worker, anti-
and vulnerable children by distribut- apartheid activist and politician)
ing food parcels, helping hem get birth
certificates and through the process of
applying for social grants.
Nkomonde is also invested in the girl
child and raises funds to supply sanitary
towels in five schools in Duduza. She
a partnership that works
www.ekurhuleni.gov.za12 FEBRUARY 2019
CIVIL SOCIETY 100 EKURHULENI SHINING STARS
Mpho Salaminah Mofokeng
self in a professional environment. continues to host school holiday youth
MAMOLOTSI REJOICE MOTAUNG programmes addressing social commu-
DUDUZA LUCAS GUMEDE nity crimes such as drug abuse. He also
MAMOLOTSI REJOICE MO- BENONI cares for the aged, a part of society that
TAUNG (24) is committed LUCAS GUMEDE (35) uses soccer is neglected.
to supporting orphans and to change young boy’s lives by making Madonsela regularly runs free gym
vulnerable children in Du- sure they stay away from drugs and sessions for the aged at Duduza based
duza through psychosocial crime. Members of his community say home and rehabilitation centres. He is a
services in her capacity before his intervention crime was high worthy leader with more than 12 years
as a child and youth care in the area and once he started his regu- of unreserved service to the community
worker. A team player of lar training sessions which create space of Duduza.
note, she is respectful a for much deeper conversations, they
person towards others, a could see the difference in youngsters THABANG GREGORY MORGAN
hard worker who is always whose minds were no longer idle. DUDUZA
dedicated to her tasks. This THABANG GREGORY
is how her colleagues as de- MPHO EVANS MADONSELA MORGAN (27) is known to
scribe her. DUDUZA be a pillar of his commu-
MPHO EVANS MA- nity as he puts their safety
BHEKUMUZI GIFT DLAMINI DONSELA (28) and first. He is a volunteer in
TSAKANE name of organisation) the South African Police
BHEKUMUZI GIFT has volunteered to Service (SAPS) as a mem-
DLAMINI (30) is a youth serve his community ber of the Community Po-
development practitioner of Duduza and sur- licing Forum’s youth desk
from Tsakane who helps roundings areas for social crime prevention.
graduates prepare for the years. When he was He is a good role model to
workplace in his non- only 16, along with his the youth of Duduza as he
profit organisation called like-minded friends, often talks to them about
Inqaba Yokulinda. they set up an organisa- crime prevention and staying
The young people are for- tion while in Grade out of trouble.
tunate to have a person such 10.
as Dlamini who has their Thabang Gregory Morgan Today he
best interests at heart as he
imparts the most needed
skills on how to handle one- Selinah Nkomonde
a partnership that works
www.ekurhuleni.gov.zaFEBRUARY 2019 13
100 EKURHULENI SHINING STARS CIVIL SOCIETY
The law on your side
DUMISANI IAN MAHLANGU
SPRINGS
DUMISANI MAHLANGU(35) is
a legal eagle who is passionate about
justice for the poor.
The former SA Police Services of-
ficer spent 12 years fighting crime
and ensuring that communities
were safe. Now as a member of Le-
gal Aid South Africa which employs
700 attorneys nationwide.
Now working at the Benoni Jus-
tice Centre, Mahlangu is part of a
17-member strong team of candi-
date attorneys which provides legal
services to people who cannot af-
ford legal representation.
In court he represents women in
domestic violence and divorce cas-
es, children in maintenance cases;
the indigent and elderly who cannot
afford legal fees.
Mahlangu has worked tirelessly to
make sure that victims of crime get
justice they deserve when criminals
are jailed.
While working as a cop, he read
for a law degree (LLB) through Uni-
sa and joined Legal Aid as a candi-
date attorney in 2018.
GRACE MJAJI
DUDUZA
GRACE MJAJI (26) served in the
South African Police Service Com-
munity Crime Fighting Programme
(CPF) where she participated in the
street patrolling community out-
reach aimed at stopping crime and
ensuring community safety.
Her participation goes as far back
as 2002 when she started out as an
active member of the community in
the Crime Solving Campaign.
In 2010 she volunteered as a se-
curity guard at Zakithi Primary
Grace Mjaji School.
She is currently working as a per-
sonal assistant to the principal at
Mamosa Educational Institute.
She is a leader in her own right and
“I stand for simple justice, equal opportunity and a committed advocate for public
safety and security.
human rights. The indispensable elements in a To this day Mjaji cares for the
learners and staff safety and secu-
democratic society - and well worth fighting for.” rity.
- Helen Suzman (1917 - 2009) -
Parliamentarian, Human Rights Activist, sole representative of opposition party
(the Progressive Party) in parliament during apartheid
Dumisani Ian Mahlangu
a partnership that works
www.ekurhuleni.gov.za14 FEBRUARY 2019
PHILANTHROPY 100 EKURHULENI SHINING STARS
Dieketseng Pretty Twala
Giving
is a gift
AYANDA HLUBI artists and event management. He is “simply reminding people that to create children busy. She tackles issues such as
TSAKANE driving change across SA by showing better societies we need to invest in the peer pressure, anger management and
AYANDA HLUBI (31) is a commu- young artists the ropes. As the director future of our children. Hope to Infinity helps resolves conflicts.
nity leader, lecturer at Ekurhuleni East of National Donate a School Bag Cam- has been able to extend Madiba’s vision She empowers children to realise a
TVET College and public speaker who paign, they give school bags to disad- to invest in children. Yaka also owns better future.
is involved in a variety of projects – vantaged children across SA. Together Cebo Consulting, which helps young
winter uniform fundraising initiatives, with his team they donated 556 school people to start their own businesses. DIEKETSENG PRETTY TWALA
mentorship and most recently part- bags, 100 boxes of Kellogs cornflakes, She is inspired Nelson Mandela’s words: KATLEHONG
nered with Panties and Bras for a Pur- and a laptop to a top student in Watt- “There can be no keener revelation of DIEKETSENG PRETTY TWALA
pose. She is passionate about women ville. society’s soul than through the way it (24) has helped vulnerable kids by of-
equality and empowerment, hence the Recently his team donated 400 sani- treats its children.” fering them counselling at HWSETA
Whole Woman Conference. She has tary towels to girls in Wattville. (Khaya Family Centre). As a child and
been hosting these conferences since He has helped the local youths launch THATO LOVENESS RAMALAMULA youth care worker, she ensures they are
2016 which has hosted influential wom- a forum which recruited 10 youths to VOSLOORUS in safe homes. This also involves help-
en such as Connie Ferguson, Gail Ma- be part of Activate! Change Driver Pro- THATO LOVENESS RAMALAM- ing the children and at risk youth de-
balane, Pushie Watson and Dr Mamikie gramme that equips youngsters with ULA (26) is an agent of change in the velop interpersonal relations with their
Molapo. These conferences empower educational skills. Ngobozana and his vulnerable communities of Duduza, families. She provides information on
women in business and finance, rela- team are collecting antiperspirant de- Alma Park, Nigel and Dunnotar which HIV/AIDS and treatment options in
tionships and family, health, and inspire odorants and toothpaste for disadvan- are affected by crime, violence, sub- community care and support.
them to live purpose driven lives. The taged boys and also driving a “No to stance abuse, teenage pregnancy and
Whole Woman 2018 was attended by drugs” campaign in schools. His efforts school dropouts. She empowers young NELISIWE MBATHA
500 women at Faranani Multipurpose as a “kasipreneur”’ have earned him children and the youth through vari- VOSLOORUS
Centre. several awards and citations. ous programmes that keep them off NELISIWE MBATHA (24) collects
the streets. She offers individual ses- old clothes and food for needy families.
JABULANE THABETHE NOMCEBO YAKA sions with emotionally unstable She also visits these families and helps
KATLEHONG TEMBISA youngsters and works with out in their homes. From an early age
JABULANE HOPE THABETHE NOMCEBO YAKA (26) runs Hope to at risk children who are she hated seeing people suffering,
(24) established Barefoot Walk (Walk Infinity in Tembisa. They support poor exposed to delinquent be- especially because of lack of basic
for change) under the Hope for Africa children by donating school shoes, haviour, crime and abuse. needs such as food, shelter and
Foundation in 2016. She set it up after clothes and food. They also host free She also does door-to- clothing. It broke her heart to see
feeling of hopeless following his moth- school holiday programmes and give door campaigns informing people suffer, especially because
er’s death. sanitary pads to girls. Yaka works with communities about avail- she did not have the means to make
He thought of how many kids are go- several primary schools around Tembi- able interventions for them a difference. When she was able to
ing through hopelessness and loneli- sa, among them Nyiko, Khulasizwe and to cope. Ramalamula runs
ness without guidance or love. Sedibeng. She has the drive to empower three-day, school holiday Xolani Gift Nkosi
Barefoot Walk was founded to help her community by using her own mon- programmes to keep the
an increasing number of kids who walk ey to help others. She is Ekurhuleni’s
long distances to school, sometimes rising star, among our “amaqhawekazi”
barefoot or in improper school shoes. because of the huge impact she has
They are teased as a result. His founda- made in improving the lives of the
tion also helps children in youngsters through her NGO.
Botswana, Lesotho and Kenya, restor- She believes that Tata Madiba was
ing their human dignity. Since 2016
they have helped more than 3,000 chil-
dren, the majority in Ekurhuleni.
XOLANE NGOBOZANA
WATTVILLE
XOLANE NGOBOZANA (33) is the
founder and CEO of Found Virus Em-
pire Media Global, a strategic market-
ing company that specialises in media,
a partnership that works
www.ekurhuleni.gov.zaFEBRUARY 2019 15
100 EKURHULENI SHINING STARS PHILANTHROPY
she started collecting clothes and food
for donations.
XOLANI GIFT NKOSI
DAVEYTON
XOLANI GIFT NKOSI (25) is a very
talented young man who uses his gift
to help others. Since high school he
has been directing choirs, drama and
teaching dance through community
organisations such as Bonakala and
Untouchable Productions. Through his
involvement in the arts he was appoint-
ed as the leader of Life Changing Zone
under Healing Centre Family Church.
He ran multiple programmes to help
fight social issues such as addiction to
nyaope, crime, teenage pregnancy and
suicide, one of the leading causes of
death among SA’s youth. Nkosi founded
five choirs in Daveyton and is currently
involved with the Sharpkeys Music
Group.
He and his worship team run an af-
terschool programme teaching ballet
to local children in his garage. Nkosi
is a hero among his peers. Growing up,
his mother worked at a day-care centre
for the disabled. With the low pay she
earned, she took him and his younger Nelisiwe Mbatha
brother to work where he sang and
danced for the kids. His talents have drugs. Survivors of rape can also de-
been recognised overseas, he has been pend on her support. She works very
accepted to study at the New York Film closely with SANCA to assists families.
Academy in the US and is looking for a
sponsor. NELISIWE MBATHA
VOSLOORUS
MALOSE CONDREY MOGOLANE NELISIWE MBATHA (34) collects
TEMBISA new and old clothes and food to give to
MALOSE CONDREY MOGOLANE needy families in the township. She also
(31) inspires through his commit- spends quality time with the families by
ment to giving without expecting. He visiting them at home and helping with
will jump at every opportunity to lend household chores.
a hand even when he might be chal-
lenged. DIEKETSENG PRETTY TWALA
The community of Tembisa chose him KATLEHONG
as an ambassador for change. He does DIEKETSENG PRETTY TWALA
not believe in being pigeon holed, he (24) helps vulnerable children by offer-
will help an old lady to carry groceries, ing them free counselling at HWSETA’s
help a school child with homework. His Khaya Family Centre.
only fear is that people like him are not
appreciated enough. MOGASIYA MATHEBA
SPRINGS
KHAYA MNYANDA MAGASIYA MATHEBA (32) is a
KHAYA MNYANDA (33) runs the Nompumelelo Raolin Nhlapo humanitarian whose concern for girl
North Field Methodist Church Mis- children has led her to collect sanitary
sionary and Outreach programme, JABULANI SIMON MAKHUBU CYNTHIA MAGAGULA towels for girls who cannot afford them.
through which he feeds the homeless (31) has been working for the City of DAVEYTON With research showing that feminine
and prays with them daily. A very ex- Ekurhuleni since 2014 as an embasan- CYNTHIA MAGAGULA (30) helps hygiene, including menstruation, has
emplary leader, he helps prisoners re- dor for the energy department in the to feed the needy and is always on the the potential to disadvantage them by
form through his prison ministry. He Free Basic Electricity Awareness pro- road asking for donations of clothes to missing out on 50 days of school, his
also helps with food parcels and raises gramme. Through door to door cam- help the indigent. She also works hard initiative has ensured that many of these
funds for child headed households paigns he informs the community to keep children from being hooked on girls never miss school. This means get-
across Ekurhuleni. A generous spirit, he about how to use electricity efficiently ting an education which will ensure a
helps with skills development for young and how they can access the free 100 bright future for them and their fami-
people looking for work. units provided by the council. In 2016 lies.
he was appointed in the city’s finance
MAHLAPE NALEDI MOLEKO department in the billing section as a NOMPUMELELO RAOLIN NHLAPO
TEMBISA billing clerk. Makhubu loves assisting DUDUZA
MAHLAPE NALEDI MOLEKO (19) the community and living the Batho– NOMPUMELELO RAOLIN NHLA-
is a selfless philanthropist who feeds Pele principles. PO (26) works with a number of organ-
homeless people in the community. isations that help youth, however she is
The businesswoman sells paintings and NOMTHANDAZO RADEBE most passionate about girls and young
braids people’s hair for extra income. GERMISTON women.
Her poetry and hard work inspire the NOMTHANDAZO RADEBE (35) She has worked with organisations
youth of Tembisa. Local newspapers is always helpful in the community of such as Ezase Duduza; Duduza Youth
have noticed her efforts and profiled Germiston. The community members Forum, Boa Re O Thuse all of which
her. Together with the church elders that nominated her attest to that. aim to empower youth. She is currently
and the youth they visit orphanages to One of them says she had already the chairperson of Brave Queens, a
share their love. She is also part of a given up in life when she met Radebe non-profit organisation that aims to
group that helps with community clean who treated her with compassion. She help disadvantaged girls in getting sani-
ups. has observed that she treats all equally tary towels.
with respect. By being humble she in-
JABULANI SIMON MAKHUBU spires others to want to live their lives
GERMISTON fruitfully. Thato Loveness Ramalamula
a partnership that works
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