Masego Mashilo: Discovering Thembisa’s spirit of unity through storytelling and sport
From weekend soccer matches to community activism, Masego Mashilo shares how living in Thembisa for a year revealed the township’s strength, creativity, and unwavering sense of togetherness.
My name is Masego Mashilo, and I have a passion for storytelling and a curiosity about people and communities.
I love reading, which constantly sharpens my perspective and fuels my writing. I enjoy working out to stay disciplined and focused.
I am also an avid soccer fan, drawn to the energy, teamwork, and powerful stories behind the game. I have lived in Thembisa for the past year.
One of my favourite memories in Thembisa has been attending soccer matches at weekends. As a soccer fan, there is no better feeling, and it is something I always look forward to.
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What I love most about Thembisa is how united the community is. It feels like one big family. Whenever there is a community issue, residents gather under one umbrella to find solutions collectively.
A moment that really stood out for me was when the community came together to strike for electricity. That was when I truly realised how strong and united the people of Thembisa are, standing together for a common cause.
During my time here, one of the challenges the community faced was water shortages.
I believe this can be addressed by by upgrading and maintaining water reservoirs to ensure sustainable access for everyone.
My go-to spot in Thembisa is Slotjhile, especially on Mondays. Their buffet is always appealing, offering a variety of flavours to enjoy.
DJ Shimza has been a major inspiration to me. Seeing how he gives back to the community and unites people through his initiatives showed me the importance of contributing where possible and bringing hope to others.
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If I had to describe Thembisa in three words, it would be: united, strong, and fun.
One thing I value most is the ability to bring people together. That spirit is something Thembisa already has, and it deserves to be nurtured.
I believe Thembisa needs to revive its art centres to keep children off the streets. This would not only keep them safe but also help develop their skills and talents.
One piece of advice that stayed with me came from a short-term friend I made in Thembisa, who said, “Life is what you make it.”
It changed how I see life, reminding me that instead of feeling sorry for myself, I can always turn lemons into lemonade.
Home means love, unity, support, and happiness.
During my time in Thembisa, I experienced all of that. I knew communities could be united, but I never expected Thembisa to be one of them. In just one year, I felt truly loved and welcomed.
