The Rise of Mbekezeli Mbokazi

 By Mthobisi Mhlanga 

Twitter: Mthobisi Mhlanga 

Email:mthobisimhlanga73@gmail.com

Mbekezeli Mbokazi was born on 19 September 2005 in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal. Mbokazi started his football journey at a young age. The talented defender started playing for local development teams in Hluhluwe, such as Makhasa FC, before joining Langalibalele Academy in Durban, where his talent quickly caught the attention of scouts and coaches.

Wonder Mnguni, a former coach of Mbekezeli from Langalibalele Sport Academy, revealed Mbokazi’s character at a press conference: “He was a shy boy who struggled to leave home and pursue football seriously. However, support and discipline from his family helped him continue chasing his dream of playing professional football. His performance at youth tournaments, especially the Engen Knockout Challenge, opened doors for bigger opportunities, He said.

This is Mbekezeli Mbokazi playing for Langalibalele Academy in the Egen cup. Picture edited by Mthobisi Mhlanga 

In 2024, Mbokazi joined the Orlando Pirates development structures, and he was named the captain of the club’s DStv Diski Challenge side. His leadership, composure, and strong defence impressed the senior technical team. He earned promotion to the first team and made his senior debut for Orlando Pirates on 5 March 2025 in a league match against Chippa United. Mbokazi immediately showed confidence and maturity beyond his age.

This is Mbekezeli Mbokazi playing for Orlando Pirates DStv Diski Challenge. Picture edited by Mthobisi Mhlanga.

Joseph Makhanya, a former coach of Orlando Pirates DStv Diski Challenge, explained on Izinja ze Game Podcast that Mbekezeli Mbokazi had some difficulties when he arrived, but he handled that easily. “Mbokazi is coming from rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal. Whenever giving them instructions during the match, I had to try to speak Isizulu so that they could understand properly. He had difficulties speaking and understanding English, he said.

His success continued during the 2025 season when he helped Orlando Pirates win the MTN8 and the Carling Black Label Knockout Cup. He made history by becoming one of the youngest captains in Orlando Pirates’ history during a pre-season match. Later, he was named vice-captain of the club despite being 20 years old. He was called up to represent the South African national team, where he attracted interest from international clubs.

This is Mbekezeli Mbokazi with MTN8 cup and Carling knockout cup in Orlando Pirates. Pictures edited by Mthobisi Mhlanga.

In December 2025, Mbekezeli took another major step in his career when he signed for Chicago Fire FC in the United States. The move showed how highly he was rated internationally. Football fans in both South Africa and America praised the signing, with many believing he has the potential to move to Europe.

This is Mbekezeli Mbokazi signing his contract with Chicago Fire FC. Picture edited by Mthobisi Mhlanga.

On 18 April 2026, the Mbekezeli Mbokazi Foundation proudly sponsored a debate competition at Malabela Secondary School as part of our ongoing commitment to giving back. Thembisile Nxumalo, Mbokazi’s grandmother, explained how proud she is of her grandson. “I am very proud of what he is doing; he did not forget where he came from. We really appreciate that”, she said.

These are the certificates, trophies and learners that won debate challenge that was sponsored by Mbekezeli Mbokazi foundation. Picture edited by Mthobisi Mhlanga.

Mbekezeli is currently playing in the USA and is a role model for the younger generation here in South Africa.

Residents Welcomed Electricity Transformer Repairs in Soshanguve

 By Mthobisi Mhlanga 

Twitter: Mthobisi Mhlanga 

Email:mthobisimhlanga73@gmail.com

Residents of Soshanguve finally had electricity restored on 16 May after their transformer was damaged during the week. The repair took place in Soshanguve Extension 19 following complaints from community members. The city of Tshwane responded by sending municipal technicians to install new electricity transformers to replace the old ones.

The electricity outages affected families, businesses, and students, as there are two student accommodations in Extension: Lihle Student Village and Pigeon Student Accommodation. The outage caused inconvenience because community members were unable to cook, study and keep food fresh in their refrigerators.

These are the City of Tshwane representative, Pictures taken by Mthobisi Mhlanga.

Thabiso Nkosi, a community member, said the community was happy to see technicians respond so quickly to this issue. “We are grateful that the transformer has finally been repaired. We hope the municipality continues checking the electricity infrastructure in our area”, he said.

Technicians worked for several hours repairing and testing the new transformer before the electricity was restored. Lerato Mokoena, one of the technicians who was working, explained that the transformer experienced technical faults due to the infrastructure. “Some people are using electricity recklessly because they do not pay for it. We will try to ensure that everyone pays for electricity so that we won’t face this issue again”, he said.

These are the Technicians installing the new transformer. Picture taken by Mthobisi Mhlanga.

Local businesses were severely affected by this power outage, as some owners lost income because refrigerators, card machines, and other electrical equipment were not functioning. Customer numbers decreased, resulting in financial losses and affecting their daily operations.

This was an old transformer that was removed. Picture taken by Mthobisi Mhlanga.

Lihle Student Village and Pigeon Student Accommodation were also affected by the electricity outage, forcing students to struggle with studying, cooking and charging devices such as phones and laptops. Kabelo Maseko, the resident manager of Pigeon Student Accommodation, said management spent a lot of money on backup solutions to assist students. “We had to buy fuel for generators and arrange alternative charging spaces for students so that academic activities could continue “, he said.

Residents returned to their normal daily activities after the electricity was restored. Community members are now believing that City of Tshwane municipality will continue maintaining electricity infrastructure .

Coffee Drive Initiative creates space for student voices

By Mthobisi Mhlanga 

Twitter: Mthobisi Mhlanga 

Email:mthobisimhlanga73@gmail.com 

Students gathered at Building 3 on Tshwane University of Technology’s North Campus on 6 May for the ANCYWL-YWD TUT Branch Coffee Drive initiative. The purpose of the event was to create conversation around youth issues affecting students on campus.

Students receiving coffee and scones.This picture was taken by Mthobisi Mhlanga.

Students, branch leaders, and SRC representatives attended the initiative over coffee and discussed challenges students face, such as academic stress, financial pressures and the importance of unity among students. Coffee was handed to them respectively by SRC representatives.

Beshley Disoloane, Phalane mkanzi and Senzo Ndlovu. Picture taken by Mthobisi Mhlanga 

Sunshine Myende, the event organiser from the African National Congress Youth Women’s League-Young Women’s Desk, explained that the gathering was to address issues affecting students daily. “We realised that students are having problems with personal, academic and financial challenges. The initiative was not aimed only to bring coffee to students, but it was also aimed to bring students together to talk and support one another,” she said.

Students engaged in discussions, networking and exchanging ideas on how they can contribute positively to campus life as students. Some students discussed the common challenge of balancing studies with financial responsibilities, while others addressed the issue of unemployment among graduate students.

Students having discussions while others receiving coffee. Picture taken by Mthobisi Mhlanga 

Beshley Disoloane, SRC member and Student Representative Council, said that student organisations must create platforms for openly discussing youth issues. “As a student leader, we cannot act like we do not see the challenges students face every day. Conversations like these help us understand what students are facing so we can represent them as their leaders. Said Beshley Disoloane.

Watch the video:https://youtube.com/shorts/2ylXgnqJH0Q?si=n0HJEqK3fnTAFadG

 According to Zinhle Thwala, the student attendees found the event meaningful, saying it helped them address their issues. “Sometimes we keep our problems to ourselves because we feel like no one will understand them, but today's meeting gave us a chance to express our feelings and speak freely about the problems we are facing daily as students, some of us are having issues of not receiving the NSFAS allowances, we find it difficult to balance our studies while we are dealing with huger”, she said.

Another issue addressed during the event was students' mental health. Students discussed the emotional pressure they face due to academic workloads and social challenges. Organisers encouraged students to support one another and to seek help if needed.

Thabani Ntsele, one of the organisers, said, "We hope the initiative will become a regular programme to raise awareness of issues affecting university students."

Student Unite at Khanyisalihle Welcome Celebration

By Mthobisi Mhlanga

Twitter: Mthobisi Mhlanga 

E-mail: mthobisimhlanga73@gmail.com

The Khanyisalihle welcome party, hosted by Siyabonga Ndlozi, was held on 2 May at Lihle Students' Village. The event brought together students from Khanyisa Residents and Lihle students' village. The event was filled with music, connection, and celebration. It started early in the day and continued until late, and it was designed to welcome new students from other residents and first-year students.

Thobeka Ndaba and Sanelisiwe Ndlovu dancing on the table. Picture taken by Mthobisi Mhlanga 

Students came in numbers to attend the event, excited to meet new friends and experience the sense of belonging. The main purpose of the event was to create a space where new students could start forming friendships early in the academic year and feel at home.

These are the students enjoying themselves on Khanyisalihle welcome party. Picture taken by Mthobisi Mhlanga 

According to residence manager Siyabonga Ndlozi, such events play different roles in student life and are important to organise each year. “We organise these events every year to ensure first-year students do not feel lonely or lost,” Siyabonga said. “University can be difficult and stressful, so creating events like this helps them to feel comfortable and welcomed.

DJ Lungani Zazi explained the importance of playing different types of genres at the event. “When I play, I ensure that I do not focus on one type of audience so that everyone would feel included. Music always brings people together, no matter where they come from.

Watch video:https://youtube.com/shorts/Js2VgFClCfk?si=hhyaFciLddwPCK3B

According to Sandile Somaphunga, a TUT alumnus and current PhD candidate, he added significant value to the event. He encouraged students to focus more on their goals, while not forgetting to enjoy university life. “As a PhD holder, I know how things are done here in the university. As first-year students, you should remain focused on your studies, make friends, believe in your abilities and ensure you do not allow any challenges to stop you from achieving your goals, He said.

Siyanda Mabena, a Tshwane University of Technology Student, explained that the event was more than just a party; it was their first real social experience in the university. He shared his excitement, “I was a little bit scared when I first arrived here, I was going out if I needed something at the shops only, but now I have created a lot of friends to spend time with”.

Watch video:https://youtube.com/shorts/5LyMPgV4s94?si=H-OvrG3YxhbqZN1g

The Khanyisalihle welcome party was a success. Students were entertained and created connections amongst themselves, promoting unity among residents.