Pushing dreams into reality and influencing people
RICHARDS Bay youngster, Mandla Shandu (25) aka Smindlo Uyaphusha has pushed against all odds and has been nominated for the ‘Social Media Influencer of the Year’ category of the local 035 Awards.
The awards, an initiative aimed at identifying and acknowledging local stars making waves in the entertainment industry, was founded by homegrown dancer and entertainer Jonty Stander, of SA’s Got Talent, and will see Shandu compete against others for the winning title.
The 25-year-old of Aquadene has been promoting entertainment events, local artists, musicians, sportsmen, charities, community leaders and individuals making a difference in the community on social media platform, Facebook from his high school days.
After completing his high schooling at Aquadene Secondary his family were unable to afford his tertiary fees, so Mandla decided to offer his services to the community free of charge, and helped promote local talent and community initiatives.
He has always had an interest in marketing and promotions.
‘It all began with promoting local musicians, and
I soon realised there was a bigger entertainment scene right here in Richards Bay after meeting aspiring deejays and entertainment promoters from this area.
‘Local entertainers would invite me to help with taking photographs at their events and they even loaned me a camera to help me get started.
‘They told me to just go out everywhere and take pictures and soon I was being offered work as a photographer.
‘I would buy tickets to local events and attend them so I could get the feel and experience of being in these circles, it was preparing me for what I am doing now.
‘A year ago no one knew me and I did not know as many people either, but soon everyone wanted to help me achieve my goals of helping to promote our local talent. ‘On this journey I have met great people and mentors such as Apostle SV Shandu and Richard Mabaso, who helped me with sponsorships of equipment and also opportunities to grow.
‘By offering my services and volunteering it has opened many doors of opportunity and I have been able to capture and promote the work being done by local municipalities, businessmen and community members who are all making a difference in our area,’ said Shandu.
Humbled by his 035 Awards nomination, Shandu said he never expected to be recognised in this fashion and is grateful for all the support he has received from his social media partners and friends and hopes the community will vote by smsing Smindlo to 35029.