Page 101 - SCAT Rural Voice II - 35 Stories for 35 Years

Twenty years after passing my matric, I registered at Buffalo City TVET College and I obtained my National Diploma in Human Resources in 2011. I thought the Diploma would open doors for me and land me into a good paying job but unfortunately for me, I was not even called for a simple interview. I lost hope somehow. I was ready to give up when I met the Director of Zanoncedo Empowerment Centre, Mandise Dukashe, my high school classmate through a Facebook page in 2017. She called and invited me into the offices of Zanoncedo Empowerment Centre at Mpongo Village in Chalumna. She thoroughly explained to me about the organisation and its programme. She never promised me big money but encouraged me to give back to society through my passion for people and knowledge. She somehow opened my eyes. I could see God working through her at that moment. I saw lives that need to be rescued and I agreed to volunteer.
Later I was appointed as a Youth Care Coordinator. It pains me to see the way our young people conduct themselves in my community. It feels as if they have lost the purpose of their lives. The high rate of unemployment, teenage pregnancy, school dropouts, girls throwing themselves at older men and drug and alcohol abuse are killing us. I know that our community needs more people like me who have the heart to give to kids they didn’t give birth to. My love for young children keeps me awake at night, trying to figure out the way to assist them.
Sometimes people look down on us, especially school teachers who always force us to do their prescribed syllabus even though we have our own modules as Peer Educators. They sometimes tell us that no one can rescue these kids’ lives but fortunately God always proves them wrong. Most of the school kids always bring their problems to me and I am happy that I always manage to help them where and when necessary. We work very closely with the departments of Education, Social Development and Health, the SAPS, traditional leaders, local councillors and other NGOs around East London to fight against social issues like crime and teenage pregnancies in our villages. The number of taverns and shebeens in our area also bothers me a lot. Fortunately, the liquor board is slowly intervening with this. I work with a group of Peer Educators and Homework Assistants, as we assist the children with homework at some of our schools. We also assist girls who are doing matric from Tshlomnqa High, with basic computer skills. For me there is no stipulated timeframe for when I start and end my job. I listen, assist where and when I can, I refer to relevant people. I love what I do, I like to see happy, strong people.
Since 2017, Zanoncedo managed to employ 80 people. Since the matric pass rate has increased. Teen pregnancies have been reduced. We have really made a difference to young people’s lives. I am now doing what I love. I am now able to inspire young people just as I was inspired by Ms Ntoni and Sis Phumla. My big dream now is to help build a Skills and Development Centre at Chalumna. Our young people really need this.
YOUTH
RuRal Voice ii: 35 stories for 35 years
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