Ntsakelo Eunicia Mukhabele, known as N’wa-Mbhurhi from Nkuri Sifasonke village, wants to raise awareness of gender-based violence (GBV) and the LGBTQ+ community. “Growing up without a father made me want to know where I come from, my roots, and who I am. I chose to recite about my own culture because this is who I am. “I want young people to embrace their roots. I started a non-profit organisation called Nwa-Mbhurhi Foundation, which focuses on promoting education, talking about GBV and teenage pregnancy, and promoting African heritage,” she says.

Ntsakelo wrote matric last year. “My Sunday school teacher, Muhluri Chauke, played an important role in my life by teaching me how to write and recite poems. My grandmother made me fall in love with my culture by telling me stories about my origin.” Ntsakelo says she feels it is important to live up to the saying ‘charity begins at home’. “I am emotionally and physically ready for this and understand how important it is to give back to the community,” adds Ntsakelo.

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On August 15 she will visit Nkuri Primary School to donate sanitary pads and school uniforms, and trophies, medals, and certificates for academic achievers. She says she started her foundation because she wants people to have a better life. “Growing up, I wasn’t fortunate enough to maintain good hygiene and I want to change that. Good hygiene benefits your overall physical and mental health and is more than just being clean. Besides preventing illnesses and infections, it gives your self-esteem a boost,” she says.

N’wa-Mbhurhi Foundation also offers free poetry classes. “I have helped upcoming poets like Lulama known as Nwa-Xiyakayani The Poet. She participated in a Limpopo slam poetry competition and secured a second position.” She says she fell in love with poetry when she was only eight years old. “I was so young, yet I continued to nurture my talent,” she concludes. Ntsakelo can be reached at 071 933 9027.