FJP 2013: Siyabonga Myeni

FJP 2013: Siyabonga Myeni
Khethukuthula Lembethe
 

FJP 2013

Name: Siyabonga “Ninoe” Myeni

Age: 21

Born in: Empangeni , Kwazulu Natal

Studies at: University of Zululand

Studying: Bachelor of Arts Degree

Likes: Poetry, art, movies, basketball

Hates: “I am a non-judgemental person, I hate segregation especially politics because they separate people and make pick sides”.

An act of curiousity can lead many to destruction, yet in some cases it can also open a book to a world of opportunities you have never imagined. This page out Siyabonga Myeni’s book.

Myeni, a 21-year-old student from the University of Zululand and future journalist from the rural part of Empangeni called Somkhele made an interesting decision one day and chose journalism as a career choice, one that has opened doors for him and encouraged him to make a change in his own community. 

He has surprised himself by doing exceptionally well academically, one of the reasons he has pushed himself to make a difference in his community.

“Somkhele is a very deprived area,” Myeni shares, “deprived of journalism, development especially in municipal infrastructure, when I was growing up there was no electricity, water and the rate of crime and poverty was really high and still id today.”  He expands on how he wishes to change that, through his education and opportunities, as well as make his community and parents proud since they never had the same opportunities.

And how will he change society, you ask.  Myeni’s number one weapon is his sweet personality and his way of interacting with people of all ages, social cast, race or gender.

“I am a non-judgemental person, I hate segregation especially politics because they separate people and make people pick sides.”

Siyabonga Myeni is an innovative journalist—one who grabs an opportunity with both hands. He is part of a bunch privileged journalism students who are part of the Future Journalism Programme 2013

Text and pic by: Khethukuthula Lembethe