Page 43 - SCAT Rural Voice II - 35 Stories for 35 Years

FOLLOWING IN THe
footStepS of mandeLa
Vuyo Msizi assisting Luyanda Khandawuli and Philiswa Luyanda Ndabeni and Philiswa Gwazela. Gwazela with the computer SCAT bought for the office.
PHILISWA GWAzELA IS PROUD TO CALL QUNU HER HOME. IT IS NOT jUST THE PLACE WHERE OUR FORMER PRESIDENT GREW UP AND IS BURIED, IT IS ALSO THE PLACE WHERE SHE IS KEEPING THE IDEALS OF MANDELA ALIVE BY SERVING HER COMMUNITY THROUGH PARALEGAL AND SOCIAL WORK.
I come from a family of ten children, raised by a single mother, Thandeka Gwazela. We grew up in the rural areas of the eastern cape in Mqandule. Before I was born four of my siblings had passed on and I was named Philiswa, after the death of my 4 year old sister, Nthombizandile Gwazela. We are six remaining siblings.
The area I originate from is Mqandule, which is a picturesque setting, surrounded by beautiful green fields and mountains. Traditional beliefs and culture are widely practiced. When I was younger, I dreamt of being a social worker or an attorney. Neither of my dreams materialised, as there was no financial means to undertake Higher Education after matric.
I worked in various institutions, as my passion for human well-being and justice had not ceased. I undertook work at the Independent electoral commission (I.e.c.).
Later on, I was asked to open an Advice Office in Qunu, the rural birthplace of the late former president of south Africa, Mr Rholihlahla Dalibhunga Nelson Mandela. The area is surrounded by beautiful grasslands and farms. As the area attracts many tourists, both local and international, there is an information centre and museum at the bottom of the village, where you would find the home of the late President Mandela.
philiswA GwAzelA
RuRal Voice ii: 35 stories for 35 years
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Access to Justice