December might be short, but he is fearless
“It is not the size of your body that matters, but the size of your heart,” he said.
SECUNDA – The biggest punch often comes in small packages.
Mr December Mahlalela (28) proves this proverb to be true. Inside this small man beats the heart of a lion.
Mr Mahlalela is a security guard for Fidelity Guards at Secunda Mall and despite his size, has tackled and brought down a few big thieves in his life.
He was born with dwarfism.
He grew up as the youngest child in a poor family living in Nkomazi Village near Nelspruit.
“I had to leave school at an early age, because my family was struggling,” he explained.
Mr Mahlalela moved to eMbalenhle several years ago, because he has relatives in the area and he was hoping to find employment.
This young man is not a quitter, despite being rejected for work at almost 20 places.
“I eventually saw an advertisement for security guards and I applied.
“I was still quite surprised, because of my size, when I was accepted for the job.
“I am thankful that my employers looked beyond my physical appearance and hired me anyway,” explained Mr Mahlalela.
He has been a security guard at the Secunda Mall for four years and according to his supervisor, Mr Louis Bothma, Mr Mahlalela is an excellent crime fighter who is diligent and disciplined.
Mr Mahlalela said criminals are criminals and should be dealt with, no matter how big.
“I might be small in size, but I am naturally strong. I do not have a workout programme or a special diet to give me more strength. It is just there,” he said, and just to prove his point, he flexed the muscles in his arms.
According to Mr Mahlalela, stopping criminals and being disciplined, is part of his work description and he is serious about following the rules.
“If I am offered another job, for instance where I need to work with my hands, I will learn that trade and do what is required of me to the best of my abilities,” he said.
Mr Mahlalela confessed that he does not want to remain a security guard for the rest of his life.
“I am always hopeful to move up in life. Just like anyone else, I want to earn more and have regular work hours,” he explained.
Although people often stop and stare and many do not even take him seriously, because of his height, it does not phase Mr Mahlalela.
“It is not the size of your body that matters, but the size of your heart,” he said.
“If people will just get to know me, they will look past my size and see that I am a really nice guy to befriend.”
