‘Being orphaned did not stop my dreams’
MIDRAND – An inspiring young man beats the odds.
A young man from Midrand has risen above the odds and recently graduated with a BA Degree in Journalism from the University of Johannesburg.
Jabulani Makhoba lost his mother when he was only 12 years old and he and his sister were taken to different orphanages.
He said, “I never knew my father and have not spoken to my sister in a long time. Besides the Acts of Love, an organisation which belongs to Acts Church, and people I met at places of safety, I was all alone. I don’t know much about my family.”
The 25-year-old said he was excited to receive an internship at a media house in Johannesburg.
“My journey in life has not been easy, but now it seems things are starting to look up. Now that I have graduated I want to work as a radio producer and become a brand.”
He spoke affectionately about Acts of Love, who has paid his rent for a room in Ebony Park, as well as his graduation gown.
“They practically adopted me in many ways. If it was not for Acts of Love, I may have struggled to get everything I need. I am grateful for all they have done for me.”
Makhoba emphasised that growing up as an orphan or in places of safety does not have to mean an end to one’s dreams. “It will be hard, but you can be anything you want, the world has people who can assist you become what you dream of,” he said.
He urged young people to be focused and dedicated, then they can be anything they want to be.
Acts of Love leader, Collin Naidoo said that watching Makhoba receive his degree made him emotional and very proud.
The organisation helps underprivileged children and youth change their circumstances through their educare programme.
“This programme is based purely on fundraising and we hope that Makhoba’s story allows corporates to come on board and share in this journey with us,” said Naidoo.
