Mr Masilela continues his journey to develop theoretical and practical skills in learners in Lebohang

LEBOHANG – Mr Vusizwe Masilela is a visionary who is passionate about giving back to the community and is the founder of the Foundanathi Foundation.

He was born in Lebohang and was raised by his grandparents.

His grandfather owned a supermarket and often gave food parcels to the poor and influenced by this, Mr Masilela learnt that sharing is caring.

He described himself as a black and young gifted man who thrives in helping to build the children of his community.

“I am a multi-talented being with the ability to mingle with different people.”

Mr Masilela’s upbringing was influenced by teachers who had the passion and time to impose education.

“The enthusiasm that my teachers had to ensure that a learner grasps education, was a true inspiration in the work that I do.

“I had the advantage of reading Malcolm X in Grade 7 in 2000 and the teachers instilled a variety of ideas in me.”

His world began to change when he relocated to Evander to live with his mother.

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“I met new people, made new friends and was exposed to a different way of learning.

“My English was very bad and at that time my peers were fluent in English and I had to adapt to try to communicate with them.

“My love for building on education systems came from my experiences within the urban nature and I told myself that I did not want local children to feel inferior to children from the suburbs because they are disadvantaged.

“I want them to feel as special as the rest and I applied my past experiences by introducing learners to board games, a variety of books and to build a good vocabulary.

“My love for the language blossomed while watching television programmes and reading books.”

Mr Masilela had aspirations to become a fashion designer or to enrol in multimedia.

“I had enrolled at GS College for a course in electrical engineering that I completed without a fail, and I was the chairman of the SRC in 2009.

“My ardour for Fundanathi Foundation lies in the depths of being an African man who was privileged while growing up.

“I share my urban grooming side with the learners by running an afternoon programme and a centre that will expose them to a unique way of learning,” said Mr Masilela.

The parents of the learners have supported Fundanathi which continues to be a driving force in the community to uplift learners in terms of education and skills development.

“It is an ideology for everyone to play a role in the betterment of society, mankind and especially our race that is living within the poverty stricken margins.”

He believes that no man is an island, so his life is inspired to inspire others as well.

Mr Masilela’s zest for life lies in Pan Africanism that was formulated and applied by great men.

“Creating a legacy of giving back to the children will enable our communities to grow.”