Young man with hope in his heart
Mfuneko inspires people to unite while helping others
AWORLD of potential is what Mfuneko Mthi sees in his rural community of Bizana.
Mthi, 31, who was born and grew up in the area, said beyond the poverty and suffering he saw hope in children’s eyes.
Earlier this year Mthi started a movement called Bambanani Ma Afrika, which means “Africans unite”.
Although the newly founded organisation is not officially registered and is just over six months old, numerous residents, who nominated Mthi as a Local Hero, said he was doing wonders in the village.
“Nothing is more fulfilling than giving a hand where you can, especially when you know the other person has limited or no resources at all,” he said.
“I do what I do because I want to assist families in need of help who are unable to do some things for themselves.”
Since starting, the organisation has managed to generate funds from holding picnics and car washes to assist 30 disadvantaged children in Nomlacu village by buying them school uniforms.
The children were identified by teachers from Zamokuhle, Mzamba and Khaleni primary schools.
“Although most of the funding comes from my own pocket, I have used social networks to publish and get the word of mouth going in the community and there have been individuals that pledge to assist and contribute with monetary donations,” he said.
Yolisa Radebe said Mthi was doing “profound work” in her home village.
“He is proof that we should not sit and wait for the government to do something but rather knock on doors until they open and give time even if it is not money to the disadvantaged.
“He has been giving tracksuits and shoes to the primary school kids, donating food, toiletries and nappies to a home that houses the kids with cerebral palsy and much more.”
Radebe said Mthi was also encouraging young working people to dig into their pockets and assist in whatever way they could.
Another villager from Bizana, Yongama Nyele, said Mthi was a pioneer.
“Together with his friends, they are dedicating their time, expertise and finances to help those that are in need, be it old age homes, orphanages or even homes that have nothing to show.
“I believe that this initiative [Daily Dispatch local heroes] will bolster the effect of Bambanani to the greatest levels by increasing the area of reach for the organisation.”
Lwandile Tobo said earlier this year when a family’s house burnt to the ground Mthi was among the first to help.
“He helped get them clothes that were not being used by other community members – blankets, sponges, stoves and other home necessities.”
Mthi said that through the Facebook page Bambanani, he had already been requested to identify five matriculants with maths and physical science who could be beneficiaries of a bursary from a large fuel company.