Thembisa resident reflects on community safety, belonging and local pride

My name is Yolanda Duma and when it comes to good food and relaxation in Thembisa, I would definitely visit my friend’s restaurant, MAGGZ KITCHEN BY TKM, at 349 R.T.J. Reverend Namane Drive, Tlamatlama.

One of the beautiful things about Thembisa is that we have businesses owned by our own people that bring the community together.

For fun, there used to be a swimming pool where we would go to swim, relax and enjoy ourselves. Unfortunately, it is now closing, but places like that hold special memories. Sometimes, it is not even about the place itself, but about the people and the moments you shared there.

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One person who left a lasting impression on me was a grandfather and family neighbour we knew as uBaba uJikijela. May his soul rest in peace.

He was the kind of man who stood his ground and was never afraid to stand up for what was right.

I remember a situation involving a neighbour who was allegedly involved in illegal activities. I overheard someone say that if uBaba uJikijela were still alive, things like that would not be happening so freely because he knew how to stand his ground.

That made me think about the impact one person can have on an entire community. When good people are no longer around, their absence is felt.

His example taught me that protecting your community sometimes starts with having the courage to speak up.

I believe one of the biggest challenges we face is that we sometimes compromise our safety in the name of having fun.

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We enjoy ourselves without always considering the risks and only start looking for solutions after something bad has happened. We need to develop a culture where prevention comes before reaction.

The person who inspires me most is also uBaba uJikijela. What inspires me is not his status or how much he had, but the kind of man he was. He was known for standing his ground and not backing down when something needed to be addressed.

Even after his passing, people still speak about the difference he made. To me, that is a true legacy: when your presence continues to mean something even when you are no longer here.

I would describe Thembisa as nostalgic, resilient and inspiring.

It is nostalgic because it carries so many memories, both good and bad. It is resilient because, despite the challenges we face, people continue to push forward.

It is inspiring because so many talented and successful people come from here, showing us that where you come from does not have to determine where you end up.

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Something people might not know about me is that I am a writer and an actor, and I am also interested in modelling. I have a creative side that allows me to express myself through different forms of art and storytelling.

I am always pushing myself to become more than I am today. Sometimes, I put a lot of pressure on myself because I know I have potential and do not want to waste it. I also enjoy connecting with people and would describe myself as someone who is easy to get along with. I am accommodating, adventurous, sarcastic and often the joker or ice-breaker in a room.

I believe you can be yourself without having to change who you are to win people over. I am still discovering what I am capable of, and that is part of my journey.

If I could change something about Thembisa, I would prioritise community safety and accountability. I believe that, in many cases, people know what is happening around them but are afraid to speak up because they worry about the consequences.

We need to create an environment where residents can report wrongdoing safely, where the police and law enforcement work more closely with the community, and where people do not feel alone when they stand up for what is right.

For me, a better Thembisa is not just about improved infrastructure or more opportunities. It is also about creating a community where people can live without fear, where wrongdoing is addressed and where we protect one another instead of waiting for tragedy to happen.

One of the most important pieces of advice I received came from my grandfather. He always emphasised the importance of going to church and keeping God in my life.

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It might sound simple, but that advice has stayed with me.

To me, it is about having a foundation, knowing where to turn when life gets difficult and remembering that there is more to life than what we see around us. It is a lesson that continues to guide me.

Home is more than just a place where you live. It is somewhere you feel safe, where people know you and where you can count on those around you. It is a community where we treat one another like family, look out for each other and hold one another accountable when something is not right.

Thembisa is part of who I am. It holds my memories, my experiences and the lessons that have shaped me. I recognise that it has its challenges, but I also see its potential.

I believe that if we can bring back that spirit of looking out for one another, Thembisa can become the kind of home where everyone feels they belong and are protected.