Bonginkosi Mncwango

Profile

Name	Bonginkosi Junior Mncwango
Date of birth	12.05.2002
Languages	Zulu (Mother tongue), English, Xhosa
Siblings	8
Residence	KwaZulu Natal, Newcastle
Occupation	Coach, and Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Development and Peace  Candidate (UWC)
Education	Western Cape Transformation Course Bachelor of Sport Science (UKZN) National Senior Certificate
Interests	Youth Development and Volunteerism Chess Painting Bodybuilding

Family and Background

I was born and raised in Newcastle, eMadadeni, a township traditionally for black people, under the care of my grandmother. My parents were absent, and I grew up alongside my eight siblings, though I now live with only two of them. My grandmother, who had no formal employment, was forced to make a living by selling drugs, so that we could have access to quality education. Despite the challenges, I attended Hope High School, one of the best schools in my town, while my siblings went to other quality schools across Newcastle. I attended Hope High from Grade 1 to Grade 9, but due to the decline in my grandmother’s business, I had to transfer to a township school, Sabela Senior Secondary School in eMadadeni.

Throughout my school years, I remained actively involved in sports, playing a variety of disciplines. By Grade 12, I discovered my passion for coaching, which led me to decide to pursue a career in sports. I realized the transformative power of sports – not only in discipline but also in offering an alternative to violence, crime, and gang involvement. I’ve witnessed firsthand how sports can build resilience, foster commitment, and open doors for a brighter future.

My passion for sports and physical activity inspired me to pursue a career in this field, with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies and a Master of Philosophy in Sports for Development, aiming to unite communities, promote health and wellbeing, and elevate the importance of sports globally.

Bonginkosi

Education and plans for the future

I grew up with a passion for sports, starting as an athlete in various disciplines and later becoming a coach. My journey in sports, from competing to guiding others, led me to realize the power of sports to transform lives and offer alternatives to violence and crime. This inspired me to pursue a career in sports. After high school, I enrolled in Sports Science at UKZN and am currently completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Development and Peace at the University of the Western Cape. My goal is to continue my studies and pursue a Master’s degree, with a focus on using sports as a tool for social change, empowering youth, and creating inclusive opportunities for all.

Interests

I am passionate about youth development and volunteerism, believing in the power of giving back to my community. In addition to my work in sports, I enjoy chess, which sharpens my strategic thinking, and painting, which allows me to express my creativity. I’m also deeply committed to bodybuilding, which fuels my dedication to health, fitness, and discipline.

You can find out more about Bonginkosi and his development in the monthly reports.