THE kindness of a Glenwood High School learner, Lihle Chipeya, has reached the hearts of many with his love and dedication to community service being recognised by the Durban-based non-profit organisation (NPO) Community Chest Durban.

The 17-year-old Morningside resident, who was described by Harris Smith from Community Chest as a “change-maker and compassionate individual”, said he began volunteering with the organisation in December 2022. “I am always searching for ways in which I can give back to the community,” said Chipeya. “In my search, I stumbled upon Community Chest and was intrigued by their commitment to community improvement, particularly in early childhood development (ECD). I believe the ECD level is crucial for young children as it lays the foundation for future growth, shapes young minds, and helps bridge socio-economic gaps. Community Chest’s support for family care, residential care, and other sectors also resonated with me.”

Chipeya is an active member of the community and wears many hats at school where he is the president of the Interact Club, head of the Eco Club and a member of the Public Speaking Club. Outside of school, he is a member of the Durban Youth Council, an NPO comprised of Grade 11 learners who are focused on empowering youth and assisting the community.

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Smith said what sets Chipeya apart from others is ‘his genuine and selfless commitment to community service’. “He volunteers out of a deep sense of love and compassion for others, rather than seeking personal recognition or publicity. His humility and kindness are an inspiration to all who work with him. His journey demonstrates the incredible potential of youth to drive positive change. His passion for governance, leadership, and personal growth shines through in everything that he does. At just 17 years old, Lihle is already working toward making a lasting impact on South Africa’s future,” added Smith.

With a solid family structure supporting his pursuit for making the world a better place for all, Chipeya encouraged other young people to join community service organisations. “We all have unique interests and ways to contribute. For instance, someone might not enjoy interacting with the elderly or kids, but they might be passionate about environmental conservation, so they can participate in beach clean-ups. I also would like to emphasise the importance of giving back out of love and a genuine desire to make a difference, rather than for personal gain or publicity. Real change happens when we are driven by empathy, compassion, and a desire to improve the lives of others,” said Chipeya.

Community Chest Durban has been empowering communities in KwaZulu-Natal for over 60 years. It focuses on providing sustainable solutions in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and disaster relief.

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