Building bridges - One step at a time
Rustenburg – “It is not about kilometres; it is about creating awareness,” says Siyanda Dlamini (32).
Dlamini took to the road to share a message of peace and stability with fellow South Africans.
The Platinum Weekly caught up with him to find out about his journey and the motivation behind what he does.
“I used to cycle from place to place to spread my message. In my schoolyears I have learnt that sport unites.
The sad reality is that we are divided, in some way or the other, and we need to unite and strive towards peace and stability in this beautiful country of ours,” Dlamini says.
Dlamini’s message is not political. He is a humanitarian. “God has a purpose with me. I am living His will and I am being prepared by Him,” Dlamini says.
Like a fountain of wisdom, Dlamini passionately shares his thoughts with anyone willing to give him the time of day: “There are so many people that are angry, so many people that are scared. We need to get out of our comfort zones and address our issues for a better future. We must do that, without flogging a dead horse... leave the past where it belongs, behind us and work towards a better tomorrow.”
“If you are able to help someone less fortunate than yourself, do it. It will not make you poor. It will only make you a better person. We need to build each other.”
Dlamini says that everyone he comes across... and there are many... has their own interpretation of why he is doing what he is doing, but that it is OK with him, he knows that it would still have a positive outcome.
“I plead with those in power, give our kids a proper education. Prepare them for the future. Let us restore peace and order.”
He also believes that people should increase their skills and knowledge and that they should share their skills and knowledge with others. “By empowering those around you, you are strengthening yourself,” he says.
Dlamini’s journey has taken him all over South Africa, traveling from Soweto to Durban, and from Mandeni (KwaZulu Natal) to Swaziland. He arrived in Rustenburg on Monday 7 March. He travels around with a backpack and a tent and sleeps at camping grounds whenever he reaches a town or city.
Local good Samaritans arranged for Dlamini to stay at Hoërskool Rustenburg for two nights, where he could sleep on a comfy bed and enjoy a nice meal and a warm shower.
He also had the opportunity to talk to a few of the learners at Hoërskool Rustenburg. “You don’t have to be a millionaire to inspire others. I had a great chat with school kids today. I liked the school visit, because they are the next generation and I want to inspire them.”
Dlamini says that he has always felt protected on the road, even in the dark of night. We wish him all the best on his journey. May the message of this humble young man reach the hearts and minds of everyone he meets on his journey.
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