Tumour no deterrent for Lindiwe
Living with the deadly disease has not stopped this local philanthropist and businesswoman from spreading warmth, love and humanity to various Zululand communities
LINDIWE Dube (44) of KwaDlangezwa is determined that a brain tumour will not disrupt her life.
Living with the deadly disease has not stopped this local philanthropist and businesswoman from spreading warmth, love and humanity to various Zululand communities.
She was diagnosed in 2013 and offered the option of removing the tumour through surgery, but because of the risks involved she decided to rather keeping it in check with medication.
‘They said I had a 50 per cent chance of surviving surgery, so I decided not to undergo the procedure.
‘I accepted the condition and told myself I would not allow it to kill me, but rather live my life the best I can with it,’ she said.
Even though she sometimes struggles with blackouts, headaches and forgetfulness, Lindiwe continues to focus her energy on improving the lives of others, especially youngsters.
Her community work and philanthropy not only make an impact on many Zululanders, but have also earned her the title of ‘Zululand mother’.
She has taken many locals under her wing, showing them guidance in business and motivating them through her daily social network posts.
‘Having a deadly disease doesn’t mean I should sit at home and feel sorry for myself.
‘A positive outlook and doing work for my community heals my soul,’ she said.
Even though she has adopted various individuals and put many children through school, as well as assisted young people in business, Lindiwe’s plate is never full when it comes to community work.
She focuses on youth empowerment projects and improving the lives of those in need.
Through her foundation, Linzwa Foundation, she started the South African taxi industry awards initiative with the aim of promoting positive improvement in the industry.
Her passion for education motivated the Life after Prison project – a debate and drama initiative which engages prisoners from eShowe, Qalakabusha, Mtunzini and Stanger correctional facilities.
‘Everyone deserves a second chance and being in prison doesn’t mean they can’t do something constructive with their lives,’ she said.
Lindiwe also founded the provincial albinism campaign, Nathi Singabantu.
She collaborates with various stakeholders to combat the killing of people living with albinism.
She also has a love for children and has adopted many children in need.
Not only does she put them through school, but she also supports them with uniforms, school fees and food.
If she is not supporting struggling crèches and orphanages such as Vukuzakhe Crèche in KwaDlangezwa, she facilitates the Zululand Kids Got Talent and other initiatives.
Through her role as the Sanlam Centre Marketing Manager, she has partnered with the University of Zululand and uses her marketing diploma and experience to assist students in the marketing field.
Apart from her charity work she is also involved in other community projects such as facilitating the Miss eSikhaleni and Miss KwaDlangezwa pageants, as well as the Sizzle City food and wine tasting event.
Her future plan is to open an home for orphaned children and a women’s shelter for abused women in the area.
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