Feeding the hungry
PROJECT: KRUGERSDORP TEEN DOING HIS BIT FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE
Mzwakhe Bolotina was inspired by his hardships growing up in a township.
Mzwakhe Bolotina lost his mother at the age of nine and instead of allowing his hardships to knock him down, they have inspired him to ensure that no other child in his neighbourhood has to go hungry.
Having very little himself didn’t deter Bolotina, and through sheer determination the 16-yearold has created a food collection project, which he initiated to feed children who are not fortunate enough to have a daily meal.
Bolotina says he saw the need to start a project that will help other young people who experience what he had experienced during his childhood
He started collecting food donations and distributing them to local orphanages across Gauteng, and the Boitumelo Food Parcel Foundation has so far managed to feed 300 children per month since the beginning of the year.
“The way I grew up inspired me to want to help others. My mother died when I was nine years old and since then I knew how it feels understands that I didn’t choose to be different. I was born like this,” he said.
He believes that some members of society don’t understand about being gay and he appealed for more respect from society.
“The homophobic people in society will always be there and calling us names. There is one guy who always calls me Beyoncé when I go to the shop.
“But it is okay because my family supports me and we have accepted that society will not always understand us. We need to educate people who still believe that being gay is inhuman,” said Bolotina.
To expand his project, he recently partnered with the Boitumelo Naligugulethu Foundation.
“In a journey of helping orphanages with food, we discovered many problems that need our attention.
“Partnering with people is the start of expanding and opening doors for the community at large that needs help.”
Mzwakhe is passionate about modelling and television presenting.
As if he didn’t have enough on his plate already, he is now also a finalist in the Mr Kagiso beauty pageant. He believes that modelling will open doors and bigger opportunities for him.
“I see myself as a runway king, advertising clothes for big brands,” he said.
–