Siya Kunene (35) clean up park in Glenanda

Siya Kunene (35) has been unemployed since 2018 when he was retrenched; however, a positive mindset is what got him through bad times.

He explained that instead of worrying about not having a job he decided to become actively involved as a volunteer and to get involved in a community project.

“Helping people is something that has always been close to my heart. Some members of the community rely on us to get things done instead of waiting a few months to get assistance. We sometimes need to take a stand and fix what’s needed to be fixed,” he said.

Kunene said one such problem was a park in Glenanda which people started using as a dumpsite. He took it upon himself to clean it and return it to a good state.

“I took on the project and turned it into an environmentally friendly space again. I went to councillor Sarah Wissler, who was distributing food and clothes in the community.  “Since I have a van and she was alone in distributing some of the things in the community, I offered to help.”

He said the councillor welcomed him with open arms and when he told her about his project she gave him the thumbs up.

“At the moment, I am working with GANSRA, but anyone willing to assist with the project is also welcome. I am also thankful to councillor Wissler who managed to get us a machine from Keel Cut Mowers to cut grass.

“We live in tough times and most people lost their jobs. I just want people to understand it is not the end of their journey, there is a lot they can do to keep busy. I believe rewards will show up some way or another.

“We must keep our heads up and do what is best for ourselves and other people,” said Kunene.