14 October 2014

There are a lot of things that trouble me about the Eastern Cape. I will not lie, I haven’t really traveled a lot and got to experience how other places’ conditions here are, however it’s no rocket science to prove that there’s a lot that has to be done here. Someone commented in one of my posts and suggested that people do not only need to depend on the government in order for them to develop themselves or to get something going, but should also try to educate themselves and find ways to create opportunities for themselves as they could find that there are many, but due to ignorance, those opportunities pass them by. I agree with that view, really sometimes we get to expect a lot to be done for us.

One example of someone who’s doing his work without government assistance is Vido Mtekwana who is from Mdantsane nu.8 and owns a gym there by the name Sisonke Boxing club. Today open/armature boxing isn't that much of a focus and is in danger of running out of funds. His gym might not be in perfect condition but has produced a number of talents in the sport and has been running since 1995. He is a teacher and is also a trainer and manager of the boxing club and has produced a number of talented fighters who are disciplined and schooled. Four out of ten boxers from there have represented South Africa in this year’s Commonwealth games. Under him are Siphiwe Lusizi, a welterweight southpaw who also took part in 2012’s London Olympic games, and female  world champion Noni Tempe, who’s had both titles at once, the World Boxing Federation and IFB welterweight crowns.

Mr. Mtekwana says open clubs are struggling financially and that the government only lands a helping hand when the fighters reach national championships. He says, “At grassroots, where things start, there is no support. This just shows you that we at open boxing level are doing a lot with very little”. To make matters worse for him, he has to make sure that the club stays alive by renting R 4000 a month, and that’s not the only amount he pays and to think that he only charges the fighters a fee of R 20 a month. Despite the hardships he faces, he still goes on, as he feels like it is his calling to help develop his community.

One can also think and do a lot of other things to develop their community, there are a lot of ideas that people have, and they just need to be implemented. I advise that people think about ways they can do things for themselves and give back to their communities.