×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Youngster has vision for a better life for all

A YOUNG man is continuing to preach optimism and purposefulness and has vowed that he will not stop dreaming and striving for a better South Africa.

A YOUNG man is continuing to preach optimism and purposefulness and has vowed that he will not stop dreaming and striving for a better South Africa.

In November 2008 Mxolisi Mdletshe cycled from Pretoria to Cape Town in slightly more than 36 days in a feat he had tagged "Mission Possible", which took him mostly off the beaten track.

His tours continued last year and he is still at it this year. In his own words, Mdletshe's goal is: "...to create hope in a complex world, to motivate people, particularly the youth, to take action resulting in their increasing value in their own lives and also in how they interact and enhance their immediate environment and South Africa."

He had stopovers in Free State, Northern Cape and Western Cape.

In Kimberley, Northern Cape, he dedicated the campaign to pioneering author, journalist and politician Sol Plaatjie, who himself cycled from Kimberley to Johannesburg in 1913.

Mdletshe, who is reading for a BCom degree at Unisa, said then: "We need to realise, one and all - especially young people - that the government alone cannot transform the country and that each one of us has to play a role because, after all, we, the people are the government.

"This programme is designed to inspire, define new possibilities, create a new platform to talk directly to people, especially my fellow youths - with whom we can start defining new social strategies for the 'South African dream'."

A new element has been added to Mdletshe's "Mission Possible" - singing the national anthem properly and paying attention to all the lyrics to show how proud and patriotic the citizens are.

"Our inspiration is deeper than the happenings we see, we are inspired by the love for our country," Mdletshe said. "We are inspired by the communities that we always meet along the way and our goal or wish is to have all South Africans knowing, understanding and respecting our national anthem and all our national symbols."

Mdletshe has also launched the South African Dream Foundation and is distributing what he calls the "I Am South African" souvenirs.

Fellow South Africans who have helped him along include church leaders and their congregations, mayors and councillors and equally-patriotic ordinary types, most of whom have provided much-needed meals and accommodation.

Though part of his lows on his tours of losing digital cameras and having his bicycle nicked, Mdletshe's hope, faith and love for fellow South Africans and his country is unwavering and strong.

lTo help "Mr Mission Possible" sing the national anthem when next he is in your town - or just cycle with him for a fun-filled kilometre or two.

You can call him on 082-059-2912 or his office at 011-783-6037 or e-mail zulus@mweb.co.za

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.