From being a gardener to becoming an inspirational author and life coach, Lunga Ntuli shares his journey with us.
HE MIGHT only be 28, but his journey is impressive. His story is made up of resilience and perseverance, and learning to take advice from his mom.
In his youth, Lunga Ntuli worked as a gardener and a car guard on Durban’s streets. Today, he’s a life coach and author of four books. He shakes his head, baffled but amused by his life so far.
Lunga was born on Kwa Lugqaza farm, now called Simbithi Eco-Estate, in Kwa- Dukuza, KwaZulu-Natal.
“My twin sister, older brother and I were raised by a single parent,” he tells us.
His mother struggled to make ends meet, so he helped by working as a gardener in Salt Rock, a small town north of Ballito, earning about R20 a day.
“It was my first experience of work and it kept my dreams alive,” he tells us. “This is where most of my dreams came from.”
LIKE most young boys, he pictured his adult self as a great man with plenty of money. It was vital for him to have hope and aspirations.
“What drives me in life is my hunger to be the best and make a name for myself,” he explains.
“I grew up in a very negative environment where people believed the best way to motivate you is to criticise you.”
This story is from the August 25 2016 edition of Drum English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 25 2016 edition of Drum English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
The Big Clean Up
Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent
‘They Lived For Each Other'
This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too
Stranger Than Fiction
For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold
I Was Raped By A Pastor
His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out
My Fight With Life And Death
More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest