Nomthetho Nduku's passion is giving back to the youth

Nomthetho Nduku, 33, who volunteered for four years at Ngwenyathi High School in Newlands, is described as a reliable, honest, mature and cheerful hard worker who possesses integrity and is an astounding youth leader in her community.

Nduku is known for her involvement in developing the youth of Newlands, using sports and other cultural activities.

“Though I am from a poverty-stricken background, I was raised from a place of love. I believe in the power of education; my priority is the wellbeing of others,” she said.

“I was the first young woman to be selected in the district to educate and supply secondary service on HIV self-testing,” she said.

She uses sport as a prevention tool to build and shape teenagers to help them stay away from substance abuse.

Nduku was selected as a sport co-ordinator in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and she was a youth facilitator 2017-2019. She was also selected to help a class with special needs. 

In 2019, she was selected as Young Patriot of SA, and this year is a National Youth Ambassador.

Mentor Busiswa Mrasi-Nyatela said: “As her mentor I have witnessed the exceptional contribution that she has made to the school, community and youth.

“Not only is she an excellent and hardworking person, she has dedicated herself to enriching the lives of the youth and the needy in her community.

“Nduku is truly special for her compassion and commitment to help others and that on its own demonstrates the spirit of ubuntu, which she has.”

Mrasi-Nyatela said her resilience, positivity and perseverance were especially outstanding “given the challenges she has overcome in her life, losing her father at an early age and growing up in a poverty stricken community”.

“Nduku’s strength of character has not only helped her cope and adapt, it also serves as inspiration to others.

“Given the depth of her experience and sophisticated understanding of sports and social community development, she is unusually maturity for her age.”

Nduku hosted Eastern Cape life skills for women in August 2019 in Gqebera.

She has coached boxers from the ages of eight to 24 years, and has had success with two South African champions, three Eastern Cape champions, three Steve Tshwete champions and six Buffalo City Metropolitan champions.

Nduku also hosted two successful tournaments involving more than 2,000 youth in her community in 2018 and 2019.

“I believe she is a local hero because it is rare to meet a young person with as much compassion and care for the community, teenagers and youth.

“Doing voluntarily work at a high school for four years, that indicates a sense of altruism,”  Mrasi-Nyatela said.

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