‘My heart bleeds for Madiba’
"After winning the National Community Builder of the Year award in the year 2000, Madiba invited me to jet with him to Qunu," says Joshua Thwala.
With mixed feelings written on Thwala’s face after the death of the father of the nation, the only moment that always reminds him of the world’s icon is when he invited him to motivate the youth in Qunu. Thwala says he could not believe his invitation by the former president to Qunu just two days after receiving the award at an event held at the Gallagher Estates.
Thwala was invited by Madiba to Qunu to motivate more than 5 000 young people about nation-building and making the best of the resources available to change the lives of many in the community.
While spending time with Mandela, Thwala says he will never forget the one thing that Mandela taught him – always strive to do what is best not only to fulfill the desires of your heart but for the benefit of the community.
To ensure that he follows on what Madiba encouraged him to do, Thwala is today serving as the Public Relations Officer at KwaThema Old Age Centre while also serving on seven different non-profit organisations’ board of directors.
He says his heart bleeds to know that he cannot make it to Madiba’s funeral, however he will be one of the millions of the people who will viewing the icon’s funeral service on the big screens provided in different community parks and halls. “Phumla Madiba, Yem Yem, Ngqolomsila, Vela bembentsele,” Thwala concludes.
