Thando Mgqwetho, born Johan Goosen, is the lucky winner of a R10 000 cash prize, courtesy of the PE Express’ “Bay’s Finest” Businesses competition.
While many would use the money for their Christmas holiday preparations or finally fixing a few things around the house, for Thando, as he prefers to be called, this win came at the perfect time to take care of his medical needs.
“When I received the call, I was sitting at home after just returning from the hospital for an operation,” he said. “I have kidney disease, and I had just come back from a stent insertion procedure, so you can imagine I wasn’t feeling very great. But receiving that call really cheered me up.”
Thando casually entered the competition, not thinking he even stood a chance, but after winning, he said he felt that although life has been quite the roller coaster ride for him, it was also giving him many chances at living purposefully.
“A few years ago, I lost my leg at a farm I worked at. Something bit my toe, and the infection spread to the point where my leg had to be removed. I also lost my job as a result – I lost everything,” Thando shared.
He said he fell into a dark hole, and nothing made sense to him anymore, until a woman, Thandi Mgqwetho, found him and nursed him back to life.
“That Gogo was an angel sent to give me life again. She took me in and literally cared for me until I was alive again. Thandi wasn’t a wealthy woman, but she shared the little that she had with me.”
The old woman shared more than just material things with Thando. “She’s the one that gave me the name ‘Thando’, meaning love. She saw something beautiful in me even at my lowest – she said I was a lovable person, and also was full of love.
It boggled my mind to think that at a time when I felt like my life was slipping away from me, someone saw such purity in me.
She restored so much in me, and if it wasn’t for her, I don’t know where I’d be,” Thando said emotionally.
Thandi passed away last year, but even after passing, Thando said she’s still giving to him and inspiring him.
“I don’t take anything for granted anymore, especially life. I live life with so much meaning and intentionality now, and I know she would be so proud of the progress I’ve made because of her love and care.”
Thando’s favourite place in the Bay is the Pier by the beach.
“I mentioned it as my favourite place in one of the questions for the competition because when I’m there, I’m transported back to the days when I was younger and would have hot dogs and ice cream with my friends there. It’s so beautiful and serene, the sound of the waves, the breeze, and watching the sunset and rise there is just breathtaking,” Thando concluded.
With the money he’s won, Thando plans on taking care of his medical expenses and making sure he takes care of his health while on a path of living with purpose and intention.
