Mthatha teen starts drive to clothe kids

Nothing gives more joy to 19-year-old Mthatha teenager Nguye Mahlangeni than seeing smiles on young children’s faces.

Now the St John’s College Grade 12 pupil has made it his mission to help bring as many smiles as possible by changing the lives of young orphans in and around Mthatha.

The Mqanduli-born youngster, who lost his mother when he was only seven years old and has never seen his father, has started the Touch-A-Heart campaign, which collects clothes for those in need.

So far he has collected hundreds of items which he will soon start distributing to orphanages around the area.

“It’s something that I have always wanted to do ever since I was very little,” he said.

“Having grown up with very little myself, I knew I wanted to become a philanthropist and help bring love and joy to the younger ones.”

But it was not until earlier this year that Mahlangeni, who won an iNkosi Albert Luthuli Oral History provincial competition last year and later made it to the top 8 in the nationals, really put his mind to what he regards as his first love – helping change the lives of young children.

“Although my aunt was always a pillar of strength for me, I always had that inner emptiness and I used to cry a lot. I guess finding myself in that situation also helped shape the way I am now,” he said.

He cites people like radio personality DJ Sbu as a source of inspiration. “He wakes up every day and tries. This is the same passion that drives me.”

The youngster, who recently received a standing ovation from an audience that included Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa after making a speech at his school event, also has ambitions of becoming a lawyer.

But he won’t be defending any criminals, as he puts it, but will focus on fighting for children’s rights.

For now he wants to get his campaign on the go.

“What to you is an old piece of clothing can actually help revolutionise someone else’s life,” he said.

“The campaign is also about making sure that we instill a sense of pride and a sense of belonging in those little children.

“They must know that someone is there for them and that they can become something in life.”

Mahlangeni said he had limited the campaign to clothing for now as many people were reluctant to contribute – especially if they were asked to part with money.

For those interested in contributing, Mahlangeni can be reached on 074-664-4438 or e-mailed on samuelnguye@gmail.com. — sikhon@dispatch.co.za