Man uplifts community through Khuteka Mnakwetfu project in Nsikazi
The Khuteka Mnakwetfu project is a platform John Shabangu uses to help and encourage the communities in Nsikazi against social ills.
John Shabangu, also known as Big Zane, started a project close to his heart in 2018, Khuteka Mnakwetfu. It means “be teachable, my sister or brother.”
Shabangu said he hosts talk sessions at local schools and churches to encourage the Nsikazi community against social ills such as gender-based violence, domestic abuse, teenage pregnancy, drugs and substance abuse.
“These issues and others are becoming rife in our communities. There are a lot of households that are underprivileged and we need to finds ways so uplift them so we live in a more equal community.”
He said children should not be abandoned, but shown the right way of life so they can be responsible and potential future leaders.
Shabangu is also a sports reporter and analyst at Lokuhle FM. He hosts the Shonamalanga Sports Show every Monday from 17:00 to 17:30.
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From the money he earns, he buys school shoes for underprivileged children.
“I ask local pastors to identify at least five kids who are in need of shoes. I work closely with churches and such organisations to engage in a broader way to uplift our area.”
A husband and father of five said he loves giving back to community. He has been doing so through the community policing forum in Newscom near Clau-Clau.
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“I have served through the forum for more than 15 years. I have seen how the youth is involved in crime, how some households lack and are unable to meet their needs, and mostly how women and children are abused.”
Shabangu said the goal of Khuteka Mnakwetfu is to teach individuals better ways of making a living and to speak out on issues of abuse to seek help.
