Floyd Mathebula keeps finger on the pulse of Thembisa

My name is Floyd Mathebula, and while I’ve only officially called Thembisa home since 2020, my relationship with this community goes back to 2012.

That’s when I first started visiting my uncle, who has lived here since 2008.

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate not just the place but the heart of this township. Thembisa is more than just a location; it’s a community that welcomes you and shapes you into the person you are meant to be.

When I think back to my visits in the early 2010s, one of the memories that stands out the most is the excitement around local football games.

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During 2012 and 2013, Thembisa was alive with energy, especially on weekends.

We’d gather in the parks to watch local teams play, and it wasn’t just about the game itself; it was about the sense of belonging and the pride that came with supporting our local talent.

Thembisa had big screens set up in the parks, and we could watch games from our favourite PSL teams while sharing the experience with others.

There was a strong feeling of unity, a reminder of how a simple game could unite us.

What I love most about Thembisa is the unity that binds us, especially in times of hardship. No matter our challenges, Thembisans always find ways to come together to support one another.

Whether it’s community-driven initiatives or simple acts of kindness, there’s an unspoken understanding that, together, we are stronger.

That unity fuels the township’s heartbeat, making it a place where, despite everything, people rise above challenges.

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One of my favourite spots in Thembisa is the Phosa Butchery. I enjoy discovering new foods, and this place has become my go-to for tender, reasonably-priced meat.

The experience of braaiing it yourself adds a sense of community, another way this township keeps me connected to its spirit.

But when I’m not indulging in good food, I like to spend time in the heart of the township, where the parks hold memories of days gone by and the promise of what’s to come.

There have been many moments that have changed my life as a journalist in Thembisa.

One of the most impactful was witnessing the powerful stand against GBV by the men of Thembisa. To see them speak out and take action made me realise that change is possible when a community unites with purpose.

GBV is a grave issue, but the efforts I’ve seen to address it show progress, something I’ll always carry with me.

While there’s so much to love about Thembisa, we can’t ignore the challenges that still affect us. One of the more serious issues is cleanliness.

Every corner of Thembisa seems to be plagued by litter, and it’s a health hazard for everyone.

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We need a more dedicated effort from the municipality and the residents to address illegal dumping and ensure a cleaner environment. Thembisa deserves better, and it’s something we should all work toward together.

There’s one person in Thembisa who inspires me deeply, and that’s Mojalefa Boya. He grew up without a father but has dedicated his life to being a father figure to many boys in the community.

Growing up without a father myself, I’ve always admired how he used his experience to mentor others. His work has had a profound impact and motivates me to follow in his footsteps by giving back to the community.

If I had to describe Thembisa in three words, they would be ‘fun’, ‘unique’, and ‘extraordinary’. Thembisa is like no other place. It has a rhythm all its own, one that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

As for myself, I don’t claim to have any extraordinary skills or talents, but what people might not know is that I am a down-to-earth person who values simplicity. I find joy in the little things and try to live with integrity and honesty.

If I could bring one positive change to Thembisa, it would be establishing a museum that celebrates the history of our township.

From the freedom fighters who paved the way for our community’s future to the game-changers who continue to shape it, Thembisa’s story deserves to be told, preserved, and honoured.

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The best advice I’ve ever received came from my good friend, Mfanelo Dzanibe: “Never do things to please others while hurting yourself.

“Never speak ill of your past relationships as they were once your happiest moments. Learn to grow without looking down on others.”

Those words have stayed with me and continue to guide me in my personal and professional life.

To me, home is more than just a physical place. It’s where we dream, where we strive to make our lives better and where we find our purpose.

Thembisa fits perfectly into that picture. It’s a place where many of us came seeking opportunities, and in doing so, we’ve found a home, one we’re proud of and one we’re working hard to make even better for future generations.