Khiwa’s doing his bit to improve people’s lives
Ngqeleni businessman Bulelani Mancotywa to host third annual sports event to help alleviate poverty, get children off the streets
A young and ambitious Ngqeleni-born businessman, who grew up in abject poverty, is now on a quest to assist other young people from poor homes in the Mpondoland area, where he was raised.
He is Bulelani Mancotywa, popularly known as Khiwa (his clan name).
The philanthropist and owner of Khiwa’s Media, who is also a popular photographer, is investing more than R250,000 in rural sports development, poverty alleviation and education initiatives.
The 31-year-old is hosting the third annual Khiwa’s Media Sports Tournament, where 32 soccer and 18 netball teams will take part in a two-day event at his home village of Nomcamba in Ngqeleni on Saturday and Sunday, with R90,000 in cash prizes.
Though most of the teams are from the Ngqeleni area, some are from further afield, like the Western Cape, Matatiele,
Mthatha, Lusikisiki, Durban, Mbizana, East London, and emaxesibeni.
The top soccer team will receive R25,000 in cash, soccer kit and a ball, and the second team will receive R15,000, kit and bal.
The third team will go home with R10,000 and a ball, and the fourth will receive R5,000 and a ball.
The top netball team will take home a R15,000 cash prize, kit and a ball, the second will receive R10,000, kit and a ball and the third will receive R5,000 and a ball, with fourth spot winning R2,500 and a ball.
Among the dignitaries will be PSL Referee of the Season Luxolo Badi, former referees Ace Ncobo, Zolile Mthetho and Kulasande Qongqo, and soccer legend and former Bush Bucks FC player Mzawuthethi Nogwaza as well as OR Tambo mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana.
“My story of growing up as a poor child and now seeing the youth around my community stuck, unemployed, staying home with nothing to do, with some of them ending up doing crime, drinking alcohol and doing drugs, became the push and motivation in helping others in need,” Mancotywa said.
“In 2020 I came up with the idea of the Khiwa’s Media Soccer Tournament.
“This is my way of bringing the community together, through sport.
“It aims at bringing not only the big names in sport, but uncovering the hidden sport talent in Mpondoland and exposing local youth to sporting talent from other areas.
“The teams are from various areas, urban and rural.
“Rural areas are oozing with talent and all it needs is for us both in the private and public sector to come together and assist in the development of rural sport. “To keep the youth busy in sport will not only assist developing talent but also take them off the streets, away from alcohol and drug abuse.”
Mancotywa and his wife
Nonelela, through the Khiwa Media Foundation, are involved in a number of humanitarian projects, donating to schools, old age homes, individuals and needy families.
Gospel singer Betusile Mcinga participated in giving motivational talks to the schools, while ANC provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi assisted in the donation and handover of 50 blankets to the elderly and disabled.
“In 2020 we donated 50 school uniforms, school shoes, and sanitary towels at one school.
“In 2021 we donated more than 150 school uniforms to two schools.
“In August 2022 we donated more than 250 school shoes and uniforms to four different schools,” he said.
The Walter Sisulu University education graduate grew up in a needy family who struggled to pay the fees. There were days when he went to bed on an empty stomach.
“Growing up in the poorest of conditions was one of the hardest challenges for me,” he said.
“Going three days with no food and depending on school feeding schemes, walking miles to get to school and not affording proper school uniform.
“My childhood struggle with poverty made me the strong man I am proud to be today.
“It taught me to share the little I have with those who are less blessed.”