Taking the leadership baton towards community upliftment with Phathuxolo Nzimande

In a community faced with difficult challenges, the only way to uplift the community was to be that driver for change.

Phatuxolo Nzimande is an activist, entrepreneur and community leader.

“I always say that I am a community change driver, so I drive change where I live in Attridgeville Pretoria. Due to other things which are happening, you are forced to become an activist because of unfairness and lack of justice. Circumstances push you, so automatically you become the voice for the voiceless”

Phathuxolo continues to make great contributions through the Rekgonne Warriors Foundation For Victims by Victors, PHELI youth Information Hub, The Sexual and Reproductive Health For Your Info Campaign, and #NotInMyName campaign.

All these initiatives are driven without any sponsorship but community donations. Donating food parcels to the needy, sanitary towels to young girls in his community, holding group sessions with the youth within the community to educate them about sexual health and being the advocate against rising gender-based violence, for him, this has become his passion.

“It is not easy but what I normally say is, what we do is passion and do not do it if you do not have the love for it. There is no money in it, so don’t do it if you want money and don’t do it if you do not have thick skin”

The support he receives from other community leaders who are involved in the same initiatives is what keeps him going and motivated.

In taking up the leadership space within communities, Nzimande says that, ” I believe we all have the leadership trait but one thing that has always been a challenge is fear of the unknown. Be willing to learn and grow, learn from mistakes and be willing to ask”

Gender-based violence has also been one challenge that he was willing to take on. In a community where violence and abuse cases are rising, he knew he had to do more through Rekgonne Warriors Foundation-Offering help to victims of abuse.

Phathuxolo is looking to drive more change within his community. He remains passionate about community development and is looking to see more youth do the same.