How Thembisa shaped Tumelo “Scone” Mkwanazi’s passion for community and art
I am an LLB law student, a poet, and a proud Thembisan. I was born and raised here and have lived in Thembisa for 29 years.
My name is Tumelo Bruce Mkwanazi, popularly known as Scone or Ingane Yelokishi on stage.
I am an LLB law student, a poet, and a proud Thembisan. I was born and raised here and have lived in Thembisa for 29 years.
This township defines who I am and everything I stand for.
One of my favourite memories growing up is seeing how my hood has always been the heartbeat of Gauteng’s economy. It’s the only area where a single taxi ride can take you to the next town.
From an early age, I immersed myself in youth development, joining organisations such as the Youth Crime Prevention Desk to contribute to the growth of my community.
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What I love most about Thembisa is the people.
Our community houses all types of characters, each with unique stories and struggles. Despite our imperfections, we have a balance that makes Thembisa perfectly imperfect.
My favourite spots include The Weekend, Gav’s, and the Tembisa Library, where I spend much of my time pursuing knowledge and honing my craft.
A life-changing moment for me was when the Usher Foundation visited our hood and I could perform at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace.
That experience exposed me to artists from across the country and deepened my love for my art.
Like many communities, Thembisa faces challenges.
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Gangsterism and peer pressure remain major issues affecting our youth and their relationships..
To address this, we need dialogues, imbizos, and initiatives led by schools and youth centres, which nurture future leaders who are vulnerable to negative influences. United, we can improve life in our community.
I am inspired by Themba Lukhele, popularly known as Skeem GP.
He has actively engaged schools and stakeholders, working with ex-criminals and educating young people about the consequences of crime and drug abuse.
His efforts show that meaningful change starts with returning to the roots of the problem.
If I could describe Thembisa in three words, they would be ecstatic, tempting, and bustling.
Most people don’t know I’m a poet. I haven’t performed my work recently, but I continue to write powerful poetry that reflects our community’s realities.
One day, I hope to establish an organisation that empowers people to uplift others and protects youth from harmful paths.
The best advice I ever received came from my high school social science teacher, who said, “Qala ngoku ngokwakho”, which means start with what is yours.
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He said this because he saw me helping others even before helping myself, and it shaped my approach to life.
Home to me means comfort, and Thembisa has always been the challenging space that taught me to create my own comfort.
This township has shown me resilience, self-belief, and the importance of ‘troubling the trouble before the trouble troubles me.’
Thembisa is my foundation, my inspiration, and the place where my story began.
