Zuzeka Magqaza (46), of Waterfall in Mthatha, is making a name for herself through the many good deeds she does for her community, such as rescuing the young from drug abuse, family conflict resolution, HIV and Aids activism, as well as hosting workshops, where she shares valuable life skills with young boys and girls in her community.
She says she does all these things, driven purely by passion and the support from family and friends as she is not receiving any external financial or non-financial support.
She says she initially started her community activism through social media, by creating a platform where people would share their life challenges and she used to offer advice and sometimes help solve those challenges.
“For some reason, people always approach and share their problems with me, from drug addiction to family conflicts and life challenges. Others call me from other areas around Mthatha and beyond, asking me to intervene in whatever difficulty they may be going through and I always avail myself to listen and help them,” she says.
The unemployed Magqaza, who previously worked at an optometrist establishment in East London, lost her job due to the COVID-19 pandemic early last year and must use funds from her own pocket to reach out to the many troubled souls that often knock at her door seeking her help.
She is calling on both government and the private sector to support her in her charitable activities.
“My plan is to eventually have a foundation that is legally registered as a vehicle for my community development endeavours,” she says.
She also dreams of one day opening a shelter to be a sanctuary for women and girls escaping abuse from their partners and a safe space for her community in general.
