Xolani Malebo has triumphantly realigned himself with his dreams and ambitions, reigniting his passion and determination to pursue what truly matters.

Pic: Xolani Malebo

Xolani Malebo is a remarkable individual with a captivating personality. His childhood was filled with love and support. Sadly, as he entered adulthood, he made poor decisions that led him down a challenging path, bringing pain and hardship into his life. Nevertheless, he has managed to turn his life around through resilience and faith. Now, he looks forward to a brighter future, grateful for the grace that has guided him back to a meaningful existence. This is his story as he told it to me:

“I was born in Grahamstown and grew up in Port Elizabeth. In 1982, during my early childhood, my parents and I went into exile because of Apartheid. My mother, who was still relatively young, was encouraged to continue her studies, so she moved to Germany. Meanwhile, I stayed in a camp called Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (SOMATO) in Tanzania, arriving there in 1983.

“This is where I spent my early childhood years. During my father’s exile, he joined the armed struggle, leaving me in a camp with other children whose mothers had also travelled abroad for their studies in different countries. We grew up together as young exiles. When Nelson Mandela was released along with other political prisoners, I felt compelled to return to South Africa.

“Growing up, I was surrounded by people who had served in the army and who possessed a strong sense of right and wrong. As children, we often got into trouble without fully understanding the consequences, and these experiences have stayed with me as I matured.  I eventually ended up in Port Elizabeth, where my family lived.  

“I found people smoking dagga, and I thought to myself, 'I might as well smoke it too." I felt abandoned and had nowhere to go. Although I was staying with family, I hardly knew them. So, I started hanging out with people from the streets, joining them in smoking dagga and drinking alcohol.

“My mother and father divorced before we returned from exile. I thought the easiest way to save myself was to go to Durban and join my mother. I managed to stay away from trouble in Port Elizabeth, besides the alcohol, dagga, and smoking. I used to play basketball, so that was my saving grace in Port Elizabeth because I made the Eastern Province under-19 basketball team at the time.

“I went to Durban and stayed with my mother. Things have not been good between my stepfather and me from the beginning. Now it's like I'm getting into their space, so I had to find my way. I met up with the comrades. We continued in our old ways, drinking alcohol. Because of that, I ended up in prison, where I was sentenced to 15 years.

“I was drinking with a couple of guys. I must have blacked out, but when these guys came the following day, they had a lot of money. We continued drinking, unbeknownst to me, what they had done. But I only discovered it when the police van stopped by, picked us all up, and put us in the van. These “comrades” never took me out to say that. You know what? This guy was not involved with us. They said I was with them all the time. So, I was sentenced to 15 years.

“People from the KwaSizabantu Mission visit prisons and reach out to prisoners. During a visit to the prison, the representative told me that if I could find time, I should see the mission station once I am released. I was released from jail after I appealed my case. I did not immediately go to KwaSizabantu but reverted to my old ways. But I went there on 12 December 2019.

“Four days after I had arrived at KwaSizabantu, Baba Mfundisi (the late Rev Erlo Stegen) was giving a sermon at the auditorium. I remember Luke 15:11, when he spoke about the prodigal son. The story of the prodigal son resonates with me, especially when it says, 'I was lost, but now I’m found; I was dead, but now I’m alive.” This realisation marked the beginning of my journey to restoration. I have been at KwaSizabantu for a few years, and I'm still learning—I'm still learning every day. I might make mistakes occasionally, but I know I can go to my mentor for help.  

“This story is my story and your story too. I started to pray and asked God to forgive and help me. Things are looking good. I'm able to support my children.  I'm looking forward to more incredible things. That's why I'm very thankful to KwaSizabantu for the opportunity and risk they have taken in me, for helping me know God, and for teaching me how to pray”.

We share stories like the one above to motivate people facing challenges to act and seek their own transformation. We encourage people to persist in their road to transformation and dream bigger.

(For more stories about restored lives, visit the website of our sister publication, Devoted on www.devotedmag.zo.za)