Lunga has a passion to help
Ntombentsha Msutu
HE lost his sister and father around the same time, then his mother followed, but he did not lose hope in life, kept going and seeing opportunities in life even though he could not go on with his studies.
Lunga Manyiyo, 28, whowas born in Veeplas, later moved to Motherwell NU12 and has been working for the community ever since.
He organises events which are going to be helpful to the youth of Motherwell.
"Growing up I was very hands-on – I even worked at Kwa-Thabo Supermarket every day after school.
"I went to Zanuxolo Primary School, then went on to Mfesane High School where I matriculated in 2002.
"I went to study information technology at Universal College Outcomes. After that I did business studies."
While he was studying, Manyiyo got involved with a project called Ibhongo Lolutsha ICT, which was funded by the department of social development.
"I was co-owner at the project.We taught people how to use computers and taught other relevant IT programs," Manyiyo said.
In 2007 he started a community business where he identified challenges in Motherwell, and developed them into concept events, especially for the youth.
He has also worked at Emmanuel Haven fm (EH fm) as a news anchor.
"I love educating the community, hence I worked at EH FM. I was on their marketing team as well.
"I started a company called Bar Code, where I work with young people who are also passionate about new ideas.
"We have organised a lot of events, one being a Humans Rights Day event. We noticed that people are not really informed when it comes to their rights,
"So we organised this event and called all the relevant stakeholders such as community leaders to educate them about their rights.
"Another event we organised was for June 16. We invited National Youth Development Agency, National Youth Federated Chamber of Commerce , and we also invited Motherwell Youth Development Forum.
"This event was aimed to educate young people about ways of making a living and inspiring them to do it for themselves," Manyiyo said.
"I am working on a project at the moment where I am organising a three-day cultural festival here in Motherwell.
"The dates have not yet been confirmed but it will be in September.
"I am going to be working with Kuyasa Cultural Group and each day we are going to showcase music and dance," Manyiyo said.