Tendai Mtawarira, also known as 'the Beast', is the most-capped prop for the Springboks and a champion of youth empowerment through his 'Beast Academy'. In this conversation, he shares his journey from Zimbabwe to South Africa, highlighting the challenges he faced regarding nationality and identity. He emphasizes the role of education in achieving dreams, alongside the inspiring story of a young South Sudanese woman who overcame adversity to mentor others. Both advocate for the power of community and resilience in creating brighter futures for youth.
Tendai Mtawarira emphasizes the transformative power of education and mentorship in empowering youth to achieve their dreams despite challenges.
Rhoda's journey from adversity to becoming an inspirator illustrates the importance of resilience and community support in pursuing educational opportunities.
Deep dives
The Journey of Tendai 'The Beast' Mtawarira
Tendai Mtawarira, known as 'The Beast', shares his remarkable journey from Zimbabwe to becoming a celebrated rugby player for South Africa. He relocated at 18 with aspirations of pursuing rugby and education, encountering challenges due to his nationality, including a controversial bar on playing for the Springboks. The support of influential figures like Archbishop Desmond Tutu played a pivotal role in overcoming these obstacles, exemplifying the importance of unity and embracing diversity in South Africa. His experiences highlight his belief that regardless of origin, individuals should be given equal opportunities to contribute positively to society.
Empowering the Next Generation in South Sudan
After visiting South Sudan as a UNHCR ambassador, Mtawarira was inspired by the resilience of the youth he encountered, particularly those aspiring for a better future despite difficult circumstances. Interactions with young individuals like Rhoda revealed a shared hope and drive to succeed, emphasizing the potential within the next generation to bring about change. Mtawarira's work in the region is focused on providing educational opportunities and mentorship, aiming to empower these young minds to navigate their challenges and achieve their goals. By fostering belief in their own capabilities, he champions the idea that the future of South Sudan relies on its youth.
Rhoda's Transformation from Struggle to Inspiration
Rhoda's life story reflects significant adversity, transitioning from a cattle camp background to living on the streets due to family challenges. Through resilience and support from community members, she found her path to education and ultimately became an inspirator for other young people, utilizing her experiences to guide them away from dangerous paths. Despite her struggles, she emphasizes the importance of seeking help and education, demonstrating that with perseverance and mentorship, individuals can break free from their circumstances. Rhoda's journey resonates as she encourages others to reach out and pursue their dreams, embodying the power of hope and support.
“Dream big! You can achieve your wildest dreams as long as you work hard and get yourself in school.”
Nicknamed ‘the Beast’, Tendai Mtawarira is the most-capped prop to have played for the Springboks.
Born in Zimbabwe, his talent at rugby was quickly spotted and he was offered a bursary as a teenager to train with the Sharks in South Africa. In 2008 he was called up to play for the national squad as he’d lived in the country for enough time.
But in 2010 he was barred from playing because of a controversy over his nationality. It took the intervention of Archbishop Desmond Tutu before he was able to play for the team again.
He also struggled sometimes as a big, aggressive child. And so - now he’s retired from rugby - his new passion is helping children and young adults reach their potential, through his ‘Beast Academy’ and also as an Unicef ambassador.
Alan Kasujja speaks to the Beast – just back from a trip with Unicef to South Sudan – but also with a young South Sudanese woman whose journey has taken her from cattle camp, to street child, to finally becoming an ‘inspirator’ who helps other young people to realise their goals.
NOTE: Correction made at 0645 GMT changing UNHCR to Unicef.
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