Duduza – Sibusiso Shabangu is passionate about uplifting and empowering his community through words of encouragement.
Ebhleni – Hope Movement was started by Shabangu, from Duduza, with the aim to bring about change in his community.
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They are inviting survivors and rehabilitated individuals to help them enhance the lives of ordinary citizens.
It is more impactful and makes it easier for people to relate by listening to someone who has been through the same thing.
Shabangu says he was inspired by his work as an actor.
He learned to use his past experiences to build his community.
“I went back to school after I left the acting scene to empower myself and prepare myself for this journey, but I can confidently say that motivational speaking is my calling,” says Shabangu.
He started with public speaking in 2009 because he identified a gap within his community as people often face lots of challenges in their daily lives.
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“There is a lack of resources in our communities. Our youth have nothing productive to do after school.
“There are no art facilities or art centres.
“They end up being involved in criminal activities, drugs and other negative activities.”
Shabangu is currently recruiting and encouraging residents from his community to join him in sharing their life experiences with others.
Ebhleni – Hope Movement consists of ex-prisoners, former drug users, young teenage mothers, survivors of domestic violence and youth who have experienced challenges in their lives, but managed to conquer them or are on their journey to recovery.
Klaas Mothibe (46), a former drug user, says going around giving talks brings him a sense of hope and it helps him to stay focused and not fall off the wagon.
“I started using drugs when I was 38 years old. It started off as an experiment and the next thing I knew I was hooked.
“Going around talking to our youth and warning them about things like peer pressure shows that it is never too late for a person to change their lives,” says Mothibe.
The movement is about reaching out and ensuring that the up-and-coming generation doesn’t face the same challenges by making an impact.
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Ntombi Mashinini (19), a member of the movement, says getting bookings and doing talks provides an opportunity for her to earn an extra income to provide for her child.
“Being a single mother is hard, especially without the support of your mother,” says Mashinini.
For any individual or person interested, contact Shabangu on 064 968 9876 or send an email to Ebhlenim@gmail.com
