Tell us a bit about yourself and background.
I’m a 34 year old guy from the city of Durban situated in the province of KZN, known as the kingdom of the Zulus in South Africa. My career background is in humanities and I hold a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Media Studies. Since completing my bachelors degree, I have done mainly linguistic work on a freelance basis. In this line of work, I have translated, edited, proofread, developed terminology and provided intercultural expertise from English to Zulu for different companies and organisation both locally and internationally.
Due to a deteriorating eye sight condition, I have decided to gradually switch careers. Since June 2013 I have moved to the education, training and development sector. I work as a Training Facilitator (also on a freelance basis) under a national financial skills program which seeks to teach local community members on how to handle their personal finances. I believe that financial fitness is a good foundation for financial growth and sustainability. What is great about this program is that members of the community get to attend it free of charge since it is sponsored by financial institutions (such as banks and insurance companies) as part of their corporate social responsibility.
I spend my spare time having fun with my wife and three year old daughter. I also compose music which I plan to license for use in motion pictures such as movies, games, adverts etc. I would also like to use my talent in music as a vehicle for social change. I love staying healthy and for that reason, I try to eat as healthy as I can afford and exercise as often as I have energy to.
One of my ambitions (which I’m currently working on) is to become a social entrepreneur in order to impact the lives of my family and those around me in a positive way.
What about translation excites you and what do you hope to achieve with this?
Translation allows me to play my part in the preservation of my language, Zulu. South Africa is a modernising country and one of the downside effects of modernity which we are currently experiencing in my country, is the erosion of indigenous cultures and languages.
Tell me about what life and culture is like in South Africa.
Life in South Africa is exciting, filled with challenges and possibilities. On one hand, there is a burgeoning Black middle class (which is great) as a result of a regime change 20 years ago but on the other hand unemployment and poverty are on a constant rise. Therefore, some parts of the country are so developed that they match the first world and the opposite is true with other parts. To me, this situation creates a gap for aspiring social entrepreneurs to make a big social impact.
South Africa is so diverse almost in all aspects of life including art, language and culture to an extent that it’s been hard to define what “a South African culture is”.
What stereotypes about South Africans can you dispel?
Crime and violence are not as prevalent as portrayed in local and international media.
What piece of advice would you give to other young individuals out there?
Be true to yourself and learn from those before you.
How do you use your difference to make a difference?
I always strive to be involved in social development.
It’s been a pleasure talking to you. Before you leave, how can we get involved and where can we find out more about what you’re doing?
For now you can check out my Facebook page which I started at the end of last year. The page is going to be fully active once I continue with financial literacy training during the course of the year. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Financial-Fitness-with-Nduduzo/385743864921233. My personal Facebook account is https://www.facebook.com/nduduzo.makhanya?fref=ts, twitter handle @Khandacool. Any positive information and networking opportunities are always welcome.
