By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
Mrs SA semi-finalist 2021 Refilwe Ngqongwa said: “A great poet once wrote, ‘Our deepest fear, is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.’
“This is true and I’m testament of it. From the dusty streets of Turfloop, Mankweng and having been brought up in a shack by my mother, I did not let my underprivileged past define my future.
“Neither should you. Find your true talent (we all have one) and find the power in you to go after it regardless of your current situation.
“Distractions in life will occur, but live your purpose, because it is our light that shines, not our darkness.”
Ngqongwa was a Guest Speaker at The Thusong Youth Centre in Alexandra. She was invited by Life Changing & Inspirational (LCI) to encourage the majority of young people.
She said everyone had been born to manifest the glory of God in them.
“I am a rape survivor and this does not define me because I now own two businesses. I am married to a wonderful man, am a mom and the cherry on top is I am a Mrs SA semi- finalist 2021 and thriving.
“I am here to tell you not to limit yourself, communicate, ask for help, because we are there for you as a team. You are well able,” Ngqongwa said.
Founder & Director of LCI, Lebogang Serubarube said they mainly focus on uplifting the youth and ensuring the well being of young kids as they believe they are the future of the nation.
“We specialize in the provision of inspirational talks, motivational sessions, to high school learners, school dropouts, university students and graduates within disadvantaged communities.
“What makes us different from others is that we are a new generation of life changers that does not only offer tangible things, but we offer ourselves. Most times people need each other, healthy and supportive relationships, emotional & spiritual upliftment, as well as permanent solutions to their problems.
“We have been coming to Thusong Youth Centre yearly since the year 2016, however, due to the Covid-19 pandemic in the year 2020 we only managed to donate clothes,” said Serubarube.
A businesswoman from Alex, Zanele Betha echoed the same feeling that the background has nothing to do with someone’s destiny.
Betha said growing up in Alex was not easy. “I had the experience of sleeping on the floor, having to help where I could when my grandmother was selling ice cubes.
“But because I was determined, I knew what I wanted and I said to myself that I could be what I wanted to be. I completed my matric, graduated and was employed.
“While I was working, I decided to step down and pursue my dreams. Without going to a cooking school or any formal education, I decided with my aunt to open a restaurant out of my savings in Alexandra. The restaurant’s name is River Park Cafe, which began operating in 2018.
‘We offer traditional food and much more. The restaurant is doing very well and got surprised with a feature by Somizi Mhlongo on his book ‘Dinner at Somizi’s I’m not a chef’ and his reality show ‘Living the dream with Somizi’.
“My advice to young people is to have objectives, do research and focus and write everything the way I used to. Be a dreamer and have faith in your dreams.”
Nokwazi Memela shared awareness on human and drug traffic.
Memela encouraged the young people to ask for help, to speak out and not fall prey to all the scams that involve easy money.
According to an organizer, Chris Ndlovu, the event wrapped up Gender-Based Violence Month.
“This year, we didn’t just want to make a donation, but to leave the message to our youth recipient at the Thusong Youth Centre. We have put a lot of emphasis on our young people, both boys and girls. 50 hampers and clothes from LCI were given to the youths.
“Our programs include arts & culture, sewing and computer courses. Earlier this year I started the Homework Facilities program that helps children because they don’t go to school every day.
“The program includes homework and reading, arts and crafts, indigenous games, bead work and gardening,” Ndlovu said.
Ndlovu said the program is supported by Afrika Tikkun. “We also have outreach programs that include visiting the grannies and donating clothes to victims of shack fires.
“But more support and sponsorship is required.”
