Mohlatlego Nakeng has been working tirelessly as a General Worker at Wendywood Centre in Region E striving to make the City a better place. But when the sun sets and the office lights dim, he transforms into a passionate basketball enthusiast, inspiring everyone around him. Mohlatlego says balancing his demanding job with his love for basketball has not always been easy. He says time management plays a significant role in maintaining the crucial balance.
“Both my career and love for basketball are about building a better future .I’m devoted to making Johannesburg a great place to live and play, and I believe that through the position I hold I will make meaning impacts in the City,” he says.
Mohlatlego’s roles goes beyond being a General Worker. He maintains facilities, ensuring they are in top-notch condition for sports enthusiasts but also include managing sports programmes and ensuring that sports activities are organised and conducted at the centre.
He firmly believes his role at the centre compliments his passion for sports. He sees his work as a way of not only improving the facilities and spaces, but also ensuring that young talent has access to well-maintained courts and training facilities.
Before joining the City, Mohlatlego was already making a significant impact in the community through his involvement in youth development programmes. He dedicated most of his time and energy to counseling the youth and young adults in Alexandra, providing mentorship and guidance to those who needed it most.
“I served as a lay counsellor at Masakhane Clinic, where I provided support and guidance to individuals on mental health and emotional wellbeing. That helped me understand the importance of mental health in overall wellbeing and strongly influenced my desire to help others,” he says.
Mohlatlego completed high school in 2008 at Kwabhekilanga Secondary School in Alex and it was during this time that his passion for basketball began to flourish. He holds certificates in coaching, leadership and safe-guarding that he obtained through Olympic SA.
He started coaching kids at Nokuthula Special School in 2010 where he embarked on a remarkable journey that did not only change his life but also the lives of countless kids.
“My coaching journey has made me realise that every child deserves the chance to experience the joy of sports, regardless of their physical abilities and believe in the power of helping other.”
His dedication to basketball saw him jet off to Germany as the coach of Ningizimu Special School in Durban, which represented South Africa’s Special Olympics team in June 2023.
He says with his experience from Germany he hopes to make the City’s sports programmes more vibrant and open for everyone.
“I would love to see all the City’s regions with sustainable, inclusive basketball programmes that serve everyone. I also hope to motivate kids with disabilities, ensuring that they have the chance to enjoy and participate in basketball too,” he says.
Written by Getrude Mamabolo
15/09/2023