Twala ponders the future

Warm-hearted Linda Twala, Alex’s embodiment of charity is introspecting the continuity of his philanthropic legacy with trepidation.

Age may be slowing him down while the charity, business work and family matters compete for his attention daily. “I rise at 4am daily to a routine that includes collecting donations and ensuring the safety and feeding of children at Phutadichaba Community Centre before they go to school.”

The centre on 17th Avenue relies on donations and is one of the many immortal symbols of his selflessness which will precede him. Others include the Central Johannesburg College, Thusong Youth Centre and his family funeral parlour business Twala MaAfrica, symbolically named to signify his African roots.

The well-equipped double story centre is the heartbeat of his charity work and, preoccupies a significant amount of his daily time. Among others, it provides hundreds of children daily nutritious meals, early childhood development, afterschool homework, library and IT services and, gym facility and space for physical activities. Hundreds of the elderly also rely on the centre for nutrition, frail care and stimulation support, to reminisce on the past and ward off boredom, get psychosocial assistance and security away from marauding criminals in the absence of their support system.

Twala’s commitment to the two groups grew from a calling to help the weak, frail and powerless in keeping with Africa’s communal values and without extended family support. “I wish all parents can do a bit of this daily on children who outnumber other age groups and should be our treasured future. They need to be loved, clothed, fed, kept clean and educated to be responsible leaders and citizens,” Twala said, emphasising the importance of the African adage: It takes a village to raise a child.

He said this was lacking in the township resulting in high levels of illiteracy. “Many children wander around during school hours and parents are seemingly unconcerned, others drift into drugs, particularly the nyaope drug, and drop out of school and many are into crime.

“Others abuse and steal their grannies’ grant money and household property to sell and, waylay any unsuspecting victims.

“I would love to see other parents taking part for the collective good of the township.”

He also urged parliamentarians to contribute meaningfully in the interest of children with poor backgrounds.

Twala is planning to set up other mini centres of excellence in other parts of the township to ensure that all children are supported from an early age. All of this will be part of a legacy he will be remembered for and wants to ensure it continues. “My biological children may have the heart and desire but it derives from a calling and is personal.”

Some of his beneficiaries graduated from local and international institutions and have inherited the spirit and values of selflessness and commitment to public service. “I want them to continue this way and, to improve the welfare of their own families so that Alex can be a better place.”