Tamsanqa Joseph Nkevu, a dedicated community leader from Kwanobuhle in Kariega, who is a reverend, skilled martial artist and former lecturer, has been nominated for the esteemed South African Heroes Awards 2024 in the Youth Empowerment Category.
This recognition comes as proof of his selfless commitment to safeguarding and empowering the youth in his community.
This is not the first time Nkevu’s efforts are being recognised and honoured. In late 2021, he told the Express how grateful he was to be awarded the The Herald Citizen of the Year Award.
This was for his selfless act of helping learners cross the “bridge from hell” in the open field across from Solomon Mahlangu High School, regardless of the weather, thereby ensuring that they do not get robbed or raped.
Nkevu’s journey began in 2020 when he took it upon himself to ensure learners’ safety on their way to school. After being forced into early retirement after a car accident, he felt it a crime to sit and waste away, so he thought of ways to best give back to his community, especially young people, who are his passion.
He fearlessly confronted criminals, putting his own life at risk, to create a secure environment for children – of course, being trained in martial arts helped a great deal!
“In the five years I have been here, not a single learner got raped, robbed, or attacked on their way to school,” he proudly stated, highlighting the impact of his efforts.
But Nkevu’s impact goes far beyond safety. He provides vital support to learners from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, buying them school uniforms, shoes, and even sending them to their matric dance.
His guidance and assistance are sought by schools, and he’s often called upon to intervene during school robberies and hijackings.
“When people need police assistance in my community, they phone me. They phone me when they need ambulances, firefighters, or help with service delivery issues,” he explained, illustrating the trust and respect he has earned.
He further stressed that he, in no way, takes the place of the police or emergency services; instead, he helps his community members get access to them.
Three years ago, a four-legged companion unexpectedly joined him on his mission. According to Nkevu, the dog just appeared out of nowhere and made herself at home next to him, under the tree, from where he keeps a watchful eye on the surroundings at the bridge.
“I felt a bit down and noticed that this dog came to sit not very far from where I was standing and was looking straight in the direction of the learners without moving,” Nkevu explained to the Express at the time.
“The next day, she came and sat under the tree where I was standing and didn’t do anything except to look in the direction of the learners, as if also keeping a watchful eye on them,” he added.
Nkevu’s selflessness and dedication have made a profound difference in the lives of those around him. He has saved many young people from mob justice and has helped families in need, even paying for entire funerals.
His humility shines through as he emphasises the importance of community involvement. “We are the change that we want to see in our community. These young people and our children are dependent on us to create paths for them that will lead to success in life.”
The South African Hero Awards will be happening at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg on September 21. Voting lines are open and will close on September 15. To vote for Nkevu, SMS “SAHA Tamsanqa” to 47439. Each SMS costs R3, free SMSes don’t apply. One SMS equals one vote.
