Witty and articulate, 91-year-old Vincent Mseleku, was born in 1926 and is indeed a living legend.
Mr Mseleku, a senior person residing in Dundee was a father of four children, all of whom have passed on, including his wife. He is now living with his grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Mr Mseleku was melancholic as he spoke about the passing of his entire immediate family. “Having to bury my entire family was very hard for me. My youngest daughter passed away two years back,” he said. Although tragedy struck, he survived time and time again. Mr Mseleku has a very vivid memory as he recalled his life history and what he has gone through.

He was also a feature writer for the Courier, and has always had a passion for writing.

He first started working as an educator from 1949-1968 and he has always been passionate about education. Mr Mseleku was also a deputy principal at Dundee Secondary in 1968. His love for literature paved a way for him as he then worked at the University of South Africa as a co-ordinator. He also taught at Howard College, where he lectured previously disadvantaged policemen (Abet learning) and trained them as well. He was also a feature writer for the Courier, and has always had a passion for writing.
For over 23 years he worked at the South African National Blood Service mainly in Durban before coming back to Dundee in 1991. Mr Mseleku then worked as the first black court assessor in Northern Natal, where he worked with regional cases. He enjoyed the legal environment so much, he later worked as an independent prison visitor at the Dundee Correctional Service . He worked closely with the inspecting judge in Cape Town for two years. Among other things, he was also once a court interpreter and the first black auditor at Dundee and Ladysmith municipalities. “I always made sure that I work to the best of my ability and that is why I have never been fired or suspended. I have always resigned,” said Mr Mseleku. He was also one of the first black people who designed Dundee’s Mphathe Clinic; he was on the building committee and played a vital role in having the clinic building erected.

Mr Mseleku still drives his own car, his eyesight is good and so is his hearing.

“I always made sure that I work to the best of my ability and that is why I have never been fired or suspended. I have always resigned,” said Mr Mseleku. He was also one of the first black people who designed Dundee’s Mphathe Clinic; he was on the building committee and played a vital role in having the clinic building erected.
A sports fanatic, especially soccer and tennis, Mr Mseleku was once one of the top three referees in Northern Natal. Presently, Mr Mseleku is an active member of the SGB at the Pro Nobis School.
A devoted church member, he also loves gardening. At the age of 91 Mr Mseleku still drives his own car, his eyesight is good and so is his hearing. Although he uses crutches to assist him walking, Mr Mseleku is still as strong as an ox.
His message to the youth of today is: ” young people must learn to consult with adults in order for them to be successful in life. The blind cannot lead the blind.” As the Zulu cliché goes indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambil.