KwaThema – Thokozani Dladla has dedicated his life to giving back to his community and helping those in need.
The 34-year-old is a businessman, motivational speaker, author and community leader who started his business with a zero budget.
Thokozani says growing up in a poor family taught him to share the little he had with others around him.
“We were taught to share everything and this made it easy to share with those who were less fortunate.
“As a young person I used to be involved with HIV/Aids projects which raised funds for the needy centres in the area,” he says.
Thokozani says after completing his qualification in chemical engineering he worked for a few years but always wanted to go into business.
“I soon followed my true calling and started a business in the funeral industry.
“This was aimed at creating employment for the unemployed youth in the community.
“Because I believed in ploughing back to my community, I decided to start the business here,” he says.
Thokozani says while working in the community he identified there was a need to start Grade 12 motivational seminars in KwaThema.
“I realised a lot of young people in the grade were performing poorly not because they were not intelligent, but because they needed support.
“They were not receiving enough support and didn’t have positive role models from the community.
“Two years later the project is doing well and we are reaping the fruits of the program.
“The learners’ grades have improved and everyone in the community is helping them reach their goals,” he says.
Thokozani has written an autobiography titled Falling Forward, about his life and aims to motivate young people.
“The book will be launched on November 3 at the Germiston Civic Centre.
“I am hoping to motivate young people to reach for their dreams. They must not allow anything to stop them from dreaming big.
“If I could make it from nothing, so can everyone else,” he says.
