A decade of dedication, storytelling, passion and Love!

What started out as a chance to earn a decent living wage turned out to be a life-changing experience for me. It opened so many amazing possibilities to contribute to society and make a meaningful impact in the lives of so many people.

I was born on Sunday, the 9th of September 1984 at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, (famously known for being the institution where the first human-to-human heart transplant took place, conducted by Dr Christiaan Barnard on Louis Washkansky). 

I grew up however in the Eastern Cape town of Mthatha and the rural village of Lower Didimana in Whittlesea Queenstown. Community development has always been my passion. Joining Uthando was life-changing and provided me with growth and development. Getting my training as a Tour Guide in Culture Sites opened doors of opportunities that allowed me to meet incredible people in politics, religion and social activism. Through my passion and work I had the pleasure of contributing to numerous awards received by Uthando and also gained recognition from the industry as a change maker.

From the onset Uthando had my best interests at heart, giving me an opportunity of learning and gaining new skills. I had to complete a tour guiding course, learn to drive a mini-bus taxi, obtain my driver’s licence and gain the confidence to interact with so many foreign visitors. James was incredibly generous, patient and skilful at imparting his knowledge, skills and experience. I am eternally grateful for the life-changing opportunity afforded to me by Uthando. 

I am really proud at what we have accomplished as part of a broader Uthando Family. The opportunity to contribute to the progress and change in the communities through the projects has been meaningful. With our excursions we have been able to support and provide funding to the community projects, helped in the building of quality early childhood development (ECD) centres, providing infrastructure to the community gardens and first of its kind, unique ping pong (table tennis) tables and so much more. 

Moments out on excursions have provided so much inspiration and have invoked so many emotions of joy, happiness, kindness and empathy. These experiences have contributed immensely to being the highlights of trip/visits to South Africa and Cape Town for many of our visiting clients. Through our authentic and unique model of traveling philanthropy, we share positive stories of hope, courage and determination.

A word of thanks to everyone from the community development partners who have opened their hearts with warmth and their doors to amazing and truly special experiences shared at their establishments; to the tour operators and agents within South Africa and all over the world for entrusting us with the responsibility of taking care of so many of your clients, allowing us the opportunity to contribute to making their holidays/vacations meaningful and most memorable; to the clients young, and old, all your visits have touched my heart in more ways than one, the conversations shared and the memories created will live on in my hear; to our donors without whom your invaluable support, care, trust and dedication,  none of this would ever be possible. We are honoured and grateful for your unwavering and solid generosity and kindness. 

To James Fernie, my mentor, leader and friend, your vision for our country and the world is our compass. Your dedication and love of our communities is as written in the biblical scripture “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have, I give you in the name of Jesus of Nazareth….rise up and walk”. Indeed you have been a true blessing to so many known and unknown people over the 14 years of Uthando’s existence and you have given what you have, a true leader committed to transformation and action. Your wealth of knowledge is a never ending fountain of information that I have been drinking from for growth and development. Thank you for the patience you have shown me when situations were extremely difficult. Your guidance provided the foundation to all that I have become and thank you for caring for all us.

Since joining Uthando in 2012, my family has grown and flourished. Words do not even begin to describe what they mean to me. My amazing wife, Lulama and my adorable three children, Imange (boy of 14 years old), Alikho (boy of 5 years old) and our little princess Azazole (4 years old). They are everything to me and the purpose of my life. My family encourage and support me to reach for my dreams and be the best that I can be, at home, at work and in my life.

It has indeed been a decade of dedication, storytelling, passion and above all Love! I am grateful to have played  my part and continue to do so.

Let us all continue on this inspiring path and show compassion, commitment, empathy and kindness…. for the world to be a better place, we all need to Love One Another.