“DESPITE MY life now, and its intricacies, I have to be strong for my family,” says the much celebrated actor and musician Israel Maake- Zulu.
He was addressing guests at the NESCAFÉ Classic –‘Made Strong’ launch campaign that acknowledges and celebrates the strength and fortitude of South Africans from all walks of life.
He might be an amputee but his presence and humourous way of dealing with all and sundry, continues to be his arsenal. And whenever this Israel fellow talks- everyone in a room takes a note- thanks to his gravel voice!
“I decided to tell my story on how to become a stronger person, instead of someone narrating a distorted agenda. For me this campaign speaks volume, considering where I come from, upbringing and what I had to endure in life,” he pointed poignantly.
My story, I was incarcerated for 8 years, lost my son at age 15, and had to survive without education, he continued.
“I had to quit soccer to follow the acting career hence today, I’m well-known yet an amputee. Don’t feel sorry for me; it was all God’s doing,” he said to the applause.
The ‘Made Strong’ campaign is a platform that encourages people to reflect on their life’s journeys so far and celebrate the numerous ways they have overcome adversities and come out stronger.
It features notable figures as Lesego ‘Thickleeyoncé‘ Legobane, Natalie du Toit, Nhlanhla Mafu, Zulaikha Patel, Thembi Maphanga (who lost her daughter and set alight by her boyfriend and was in comatose for five months).
Lerato Sengadi, an entrepreneur and wife to the late par excellence rapper HHP ( had to contest the will with family of the late and was booted out of her house) and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Surfer winner Bianca Buitendag (who lost her Mom as she was preparing for the Olympics, testing positive Covid-19 and the team delaying to get its training equipment’s on time in Tokyo made her stronger instead).
“In our beautiful country, we get tested daily in various ways that staying motivated and keeping on can be quite difficult. Our realities, especially lately, have required of us to tap into a fortitude that continues to allow us to stand up against odds and thrive.
It is in witnessing this level of strength Made Strong celebrates and reminds us all that every single day, we show up, survive, and thrive. Our progress is unhindered, our determination is an exemplar of what fortitude is and this movement we are launching acknowledges and celebrates that,” says, Nivasha Pather, Category Marketing Manager: Beverages, at Nestlé East and Southern Africa.
Gold medalist Swimmer and one of two Paralympians to compete at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Natalie du Toit says, “I am made strong through my tribe, who love me, push me to better and remind me always, who I am and where I come.”
The following are responses from the stars when asked about the meaning behind the campaign:
Lesego ‘Thickleeyoncé’ Legobane, “Strength is not a destination, but an ongoing process of showing in honour of yourself, despite the naysayers.”
Mafikizolo star and entrepreneur Nhlanhla Mafu, “When all else seems not enough to keep you going, look inside you for inner strength, because you too are made strong.”
Zulaikha Patel, “Affording yourself the opportunity to define your own path in spite of societal expectations is what it means to be made strong,” says the Law student.
“Erasing my hair is tantamount to erasing my blackness” says the outspoken Patel- synonymous in her Afro.
Catch the full video on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R21LYwbq_-U
Oh, thank you for a wonder gift- as I’m busy preparing this piece a very strong black coffee is keeping me awake, so are the premium sunglasses to deal with sunny but cold weather!
Image Mdu Mphahlele (Very opinionated Israel Maake- Zulu and MC Lebo Mashile at the launch held at the ostentatious Summer Place).
