This season has been envisaged as a tribute to the country’s future, shedding the spotlight on youth icons all under the age of 35. Their energy and drive has been captured in coloured portraits, a major departure from the black-and-white fine arts portraits of the previous seasons
Madondo has been selected for 21 ICONS South Africa Season III to demonstrate active citizenry is characteristic of true heroes. He uses his own life story to inspire individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to follow in his footsteps by highlighting the potential and possibility of what can be achieved when an individual focuses their attention on furthering their education.
Madondo’s selfless efforts to provide social outreach and upliftment for his community have earned him several humanitarian accolades. He stands as an example of how tenacity and determination can overcome great odds.
On the future of South Africa, he comments: “I want the world to know that South Africa is the Promised Land because it is so rich in its diversity. The spirit of Ubuntu really exists. We shouldn’t doubt and underestimate ourselves while overestimating other people. That’s the worst mistake we (can) make.”
“People need to be reminded that they are powerful and they can still achieve whatever they want to achieve, because at the end of the day you are what you think you are,” Thulani Madondo says.
Catch 21 ICONS on Sunday at 7.27pm on SABC 3.
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