Poverty plight inspires NPO
Sifundo Manqele started an NPO, Empathy for the Community to help uplift his community.
KWANYUSWA resident, Sifundo Manqele (26) is a small man with a big heart bursting with ideas to enrich the lives of his community. Growing up in poverty did not stop him from opening his heart to try and uplift people.
Sifundo grew up an orphan and he learnt from a very young age to fend for himself. He started an NPO in 2015, “Empathy for the Community”, and it was registered in October last year.
He said growing up in poverty and seeing lots of young people’s talent being wasted is the reason he formed this NPO.
“KwaNyuswa is a beautiful valley with lots of tourist attractions which I believe should be used to the advantage of and to better the community. Therefore tourism is one of the projects the NPO will be looking at.”
“If we could get tourists to come into our valley it would also help the women who make crafts to sell their work and earn an income,” he said.
Sifundo, who is also a cyclist, said he also wants children to get involved in cycling and other sport.
“There are many young people with talent who end up being pregnant, taking drugs and being criminals as they do not have the platform to put their skills to good use.”
The valley has lots of open land and Sifundo believes that a trail could easily be designed for cycling.
“Getting involved in sport helps people to unwind and some of the children could end up playing sport in a professional level,” he said.
Sifundo has taken part in Tour Durban and has two medals to prove it. He also wants to go to schools and teach children about recycling and animal protection as there are many stray dogs in the valley.
“At the moment I do have people who have come forward to guide me and help me make a difference.”
With the help of his three friends, Zinhle Mlambo, Nto Sikhonde and Sibangani Dladla, Sifundo believes their projects will blossom. Anyone who can assist the NPO with any advice and donations can contact Sifundo on 084 924 8194 or email sfundo.manqele@gmail.com.
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