Mandeni-born man is walking across South Africa for peace and stability [Watch]
He left Ballito for Nongoma last week Thursday to help build four classrooms at Emagcekeni Primary School.
Philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.
And this holds true for Mandeni-born social activist and musician, Siyanda Dlamini, who is walking around the country to promote peace and stability.
Shocked by the levels of violence and anger exhibited during last year’s July unrest, Dlamini (30) was catapulted into action to do the only thing that felt right: put one foot in front of the other.
A modern day Forrest Gump, Dlamini started his marathon journey in February, thinking he would walk to Soweto. But once the first milestone was reached Dlamini realised he was not done, so he kept walking.
His journey has taken him to the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the Free State.
“Without peace, economic growth cannot be achieved and if we do not grow economically, the unemployment rate will continue to escalate, along with crime and other social ills,” said Dlamini.
Last week he passed back through Ballito en route to his final destination at Nongoma.
Dlamini, who has been visiting schools during his walk, was moved when he saw the state of the mud (wattle and daub) classrooms at this particular remote rural school.
“I contacted the education department to first find out whether they had any plans to rebuild the school. When I discovered this was not the case, there was nothing to be done but to start fundraising.”
Build It Nongoma have come on board and are collecting the money on Dlamini’s behalf.
The social activist survives on donations and he said he was very grateful for the support given to him by residents.
“People stop their cars and give me words of encouragement when they see me walking, others sponsor me with different items that I might need on my journey. I am grateful that people are understanding the message that I am trying to preach. And thank you to all the people who have come forward to help me raise funds to build the school.”
To contribute contact Build It Nongoma at 035-8310033.
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