My name is Bongani Dominic Malinga from the Kingdom of Eswatini. I was raised by separated parents and I lost contact with my biological mother as early as seven years. Therefore I grew up under the care of a stepmom throughout my teenage and school life. This was the worst experience I ever had, because I felt the reservations of the relationship which existed between me and my stepmother. My fears overshadowed the love I had for her such that I couldn’t open up and be honest in all issues as children ought to be to their parents. As a result, I developed an independent attitude which only severe circumstances could break.
The beginning of a new order in my life began in 2007. I got saved with a Christian movement at a secondary school, Scripture Union, and joined a local church. It helped me find better ways of dealing with my fears and failures because I found nothing too small or big to trust Christ for.
Moreover, life is not enjoyed in isolation. It was a wonderful experience, serving in the church committees, assisting with the little we had. One memorable moment is the day my father rebuked me for giving family food to a neighboring child-headed family. He said I should learn to be generous with what is mine. I felt provoked but never showed it because it was an honest statement. I lacked development to secure a sustainable way of living. I had no job or skill thus lacking financial definition.
Over the years I had hoped for a career in law. But due to the scarcity of scholarship and the shrewd job market, I fell to public relations with which I graduated with an Associate Degree.
My passion for community work has developed over several years specifically through church and some non-governmental organization like SOS Children’s Villages (with whom I worked for some months). Research has it that churches have brought about real development in Africa more than governments and banks combined. This implies that hard work, hope, alongside trust in God is essential.
Having started studying theology at African Christian College, I now look forward to being the best steward of integrity in my community work.