#knowyourbenoni: Youth addresses environment and social issues

Crystal Park resident Wiseman Mkhonto shows that every Benonian can make a difference.

READ:

A modern take on steam punk artistry

Mkhonto, an active member of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL), believes in giving back to society and placing the needs of others before his own.

He spoke to the City Times about his life and how he strives to better South Africa.

BCT: Where did you grow up?

WM: I was born in Daveyton and in 1994 I moved to Crystal Park with my parents, Andrew and Caroline Mkhonto.

I have been living here since.

I attended Launching Pad Preschool and Benoni Junior School, where I was elected the first African head boy in 1999.

I was in Benoni High School but I matriculated from Benoni College in 2006 as I wanted to pursue a career in business.

BCT: What work do you do?

WM: I am the director of my own business.

My company’s name is PanGiant Enterprises and it does renovations, maintenance and cleaning.

BCT: Tell us about your involvement in the ANCYL?

WM: I joined the league in 2015.

Within the league, I started a programme called Environmental Impact Group (EIG).

The EIG started two years ago and we are six people cleaning various areas.

Our aim is to do our part and raise awareness in schools, to keep our parks and pans clean and safe.

We would like to emphasise the importance of planting trees in townships.

We want to mobilise children to take care of the environment.

We try to also address sustainable facilities at parks and conservations.

For example, parks in Toronto, Canada, have multi-functional facilities for all ages.

They have basketball courts and gyms, with the flat-surfaced gym equipment serving as chess boards.

They accommodate the needs of the whole community to enjoy their parks.

I believe our community can revitalise the environment if we all join forces.

BCT: Do you have any hobbies?

WM: I used to play soccer.

I started at the age of seven until I was 20.

I went to England and Scotland in 2002 and 2004 for my soccer.

Unfortunately, I injured my achilles tendon but I am still using my love of the sport to better society.

I started New Generations which is an after-school programme for kids.

We keep kids busy after school by playing soccer, and by doing this, we try to eradicate drug and alcohol use among the youth.

ALSO READ:

Former Actonville principal turns 90

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za