Fellow students inspired him to join the Struggle in Bophuthatswana

“My activism was inspired by fellow students who, due to political violence in the townships relocated to a boarding school in my village, in the late ‘80s.

Because of their exposure to politics, they were treated differently, and always watched by the Bophuthatswana police. This inspired interest from many students – including me”.

He could not play outside when Madam was home

“My brother was a founding member of COSATU at the steel firm where he worked and he used to share his experiences with us. The firm was eventually closed and he became unemployed, which affected us. The treatment that we received when visiting our parent, who was working as domestic workers also contributed. We were only allowed to go out when the Madam is not around, and could not play outside”.

Comrade Sydney learnt no man is an island

“As a young activist, I have learned that in politics – one will meet new people at any time. No man can be an island. There are no permanent friends or enemies. Still, relevant today is the fact that one must not take things at face value do your own research before making decisive decisions.”

“I have also learned that being a leader doesn’t mean one is more clever or intelligent than everybody. The values of respect, being open-minded, impartiality, hard work and working together are still as vital, as they were then”.

His generational mission was to improve the lives of his parents

“My generational mission was to study and work hard to improve the lives of our parents, who were making a living by working as helpers and drivers to white masters who lived in luxury and had everything. Like all the young activists, I also added my voice to that of those who were calling for the release of political prisoners, particularly Nelson Mandela.”

The key roles he played in the MDM include:

• Actively participating in the organising boycotting of white-owned businesses

• Serving as the Branch Deputy Chairperson of SANCO in Ward 80
• Currently serving as the Branch Chairperson of the ANC in Ward 80

He hopes for young South Africans to have access to education and to avoid crime “My aspiration is that the youth, especially Africans have access to education. They must not find it difficult to find work or open their own companies. Young people should actively participate in politics, without being misled by old politicians, who prey on their needs by offering them money to do immoral and wrong things. I hope that young people get access to land and finance. I aspire for you South Africans to be free of drugs and crime”.