There is something deeply powerful about seeing success return to where it all began.
This week, the community of Zwide witnessed a homecoming filled with pride and gratitude.
On Tuesday, two Zwide schools — Emsengeni and Isaac Booi Senior Primary — celebrated the opening of their new R8m multipurpose sports fields.
Made possible through the Kolisi Foundation and its partners, these state-of-the-art facilities are now symbols of hope and giving back.
For Springbok captain Siya Kolisi it was a full-circle moment, a tangible expression of his gratitude to the community which helped shape him.
The same schoolgrounds where a young Kolisi once chased a rugby ball have been transformed into places where young people from that community can play and nurture their sporting talents.
Through the foundation’s Siyaphakama (We Rise) Programme, hundreds of children have already benefited from initiatives which promote movement, physical education and access to sport.
As Kolisi told the pupils, he once stood in the same queues they do, faced the same challenges and walked the same streets.
“It is possible to be where I am even while you are where you currently are,” he said.
“This is not the last thing that I am doing, I will come to open another opportunity.
“Dream about being a doctor, or doing big things. Things will change when you achieve those big things.”
He added: “Do not forget about Zwide. I am who I am because of the people from the location.
“I was not raised by my family alone, the location raised me.”
Kolisi has demonstrated the importance of giving back and using one’s influence to make a positive difference in the community that helped shape you.
May it serve as inspiration for all who are successful in their respective careers.
Do not forget where you came from; use your experience, lessons and even influence to touch the lives of those less fortunate.
You could be giving a hand to a future star, who may also use his or her success to pay it forward.
The Herald
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.