Cape Town - Former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor has called on South African leaders to stand up for truth in the midst of challenges facing the country.
Mentor was one of the guest speakers who addressed a seminar organised by Hillsong Church in Cape Town to inspire people to make a difference in other people’s lives and to help build the nation.
Mentor said South Africans should join hands in fighting social ills, including drug abuse and violence against people.
She has been outspoken about alleged malpractices at various government institutions and was also at the forefront of efforts to make the public protector’s report on state capture public.
“My pillar of strength has been knowing that I was standing on truth God wants us to stand on truth, even if our existence is threatened by doing so ,” Mentor said.
Springbok rugby player Siya Kolisi shared his story
of growing up in poverty in Port Elizabeth, raised by a grandmother in a home where the next meal was not often guaranteed.
He said growing up in a township where heroes were “criminals and drug and substance abusers” was enough for anyone to lose hope in ever becoming successful.
“I found something to do; I played rugby and I was eventually noticed by a teacher and received a scholarship to attend a model C school”, he said.
Kolisi is now regarded as one of the best players in the country, having recently been selected as captain of the Stormers - the first black African captain of the Western Cape Super Rugby side.
“I worked hard, and I made a vow to myself to make a difference in other people’s lives,” Kolisi said.
A young entrepreneur who heads Grind Africa, Nolo Mokoena, told the gathering that Africa was rising and asked: "who is rising with it?".
He urged young people to have a vision for the country as well, and to work on meaningful projects.