Amanda Mbongwa, the social entrepreneur
As a person who touches lives through her venture, she enlists assistance from many people from around her village who volunteer their time
Amanda Mbongwa, born and bred in Loskop, was raised by a very hardworking disciplinarian after her mother passed away. She looked up to her father in so many ways, wishing to be like him when she grew up.
“When I was growing up, I wanted to be just like my father, I used to watch him as he was always busy, but seemed so happy about what he was doing,” she recalls.
Being the eldest in her family has always pushed her to yearn for more in her life. Judging from her past experience, dedication and commitment, Amanda’s idea of social entrepreneurship was born.
The birth of Loskop Gijimas
Running and jogging has always been her way of dealing with her challenges, which made Amanda feel stronger and more positive about life. Losing her mother at a young age, forced her to channel her energies and strengths elsewhere.
Running became a solution to this dynamic, giving, youthful and energetic young woman. Driven by an urge to help her community, Amanda wanted to share her experience in running and the satisfaction thereof.
This rekindled her desire to “keep the youth busy”.
This gave birth to Loskop Gijimas, an initiative, which started as a running club and subsequently grew into a cycling club for young people who were willing and able but could not afford the sport.
The team comprises of junior members who are mostly scholars.
“There are open members employed, unemployed and social members who just support the team by wearing our colours,” she explains.
Support towards this venture
As a self-funded initiative and non-profit seeking organisation, growth has presented challenges. These challenges necessitated for donations and sponsorship.
Loskop Gijimas sells its clothing apparel for both cycling and running. The revenue generated assists the organisation to keep afloat.
Although lack of funding to accommodate growth has been the main challenge for Loskop Gijimas, this has not deterred Amanda from her dreams.
As a person who touches lives through her venture, she enlists assistance from many people from around her village who volunteer their time.
The future of the club
“In 10 years’ time, I want to see myself as an influential motivator with a solid property empire. For my team, I want us to have runners wearing our jersey in every province of South Africa. I want us to have our very own successful annual race in the KwaZulu-Natal athletics calendar. I want us to have our very own athletics track/stadium in Loskop that will host most athletic events in KZN as we will be the team that grooms the next generation of Comrades winners.”
Amanda is a true epitome of a young lady on a ‘social mission’.
