By Mr Lee news@alexreporter.co.za
“It’s my second Award. The 1st one was in 2020 for Best Community changer,” she tells Alex Reporter after winning the Woman of South Africa Imbokodo Awards in Community Development & Social Services category.
The glittering ceremony was recently held at the Emperor’s Palace Hotel.
“I’m excited, I can’t realy explain how I feel,” says Hlengiwe Ngubane.
Hlehle, as she is affectionately called, was born on April 24th about three decades ago in KwaZulu-Natal. She currently resides in Alexandra, a township in the Gauteng province.
She is the mother of not just her four beautiful children, but also many other children in the township. Her love for children and their well-being in her neighborhood is a testament to her love.
She is a businesswoman and a community builder of note in many different aspects. She is very passionate and highly driven in uplifting her community.
This led her in establishing Mr and Miss Alexandra Heritage in 2018. This is a Modeling organization for all ages including senior citizens.
Among the community initiatives she is involved in are youth empowerment programs and business initiatives to create stable families.
Hlehle also has a deep love for animals, and she is a professional dog and cat groomer.
Asked what keeps her going, she said,” The beneficiaries ( Models) keep me going. They give me reason to keep doing what I love.”
In her industry, she stated that there were numerous challenges.
“Parents hardly support their children. And it makes it hard for the organization because we need food, evening dresses and heels shoes.”
Hlehle draws inspiration from Nandi Madiba, Zakes Bantwini’s wife. “She doesn’t mind leaving a paying gig to go and help out at a charity or organization for free. She is truly inspirational to me because she cares more about her society than herself.
She has a message to the youth of Alex.
“I would like to say that their talents are needed and valued. There are many kids in every street of Alex who can use their skills if they connect with me. They shouldn’t let it go to waste by sitting at home and doing nothing about it.”
