By Ncaba Ntshakala
Akube kuhle kuleSwatini!
Napoleon Hill once said, “There would be no advantage to be gained by sowing a field of wheat if the harvest did not return more than was sown.
” This has proven to be the case for SOS Children’s Village as their harvest is more than what they sow in Mcebo Zwane, who is a proud alumnus of SOS Children’s Village.
Zwane took to the streets to share a heartfelt testimony about how the children’s village profoundly shaped his life, providing him with unparalleled opportunities to achieve his dreams.
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Zwane’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and gratitude, highlighting the transformative impact of SOS Children’s Villages on children in need.
“I am a qualified marketer, a husband, and a father. I grew up in the best environment where I was taught the true values of life,” Zwane said. “I grew up to be a stronger and independent person, capable of achieving anything I set my mind on.”
Zwane’s journey is a testament to the power of support and education. A graduate of Wartburg College in the United States, he holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in Marketing.
Currently, he works as the assistant manager of a building materials department at a home improvement store in Waterloo, Iowa, where he lives with his wife, Rebecca, and their son, Aiden.
Zwane arrived in the USA in 2017 to pursue his studies after receiving a scholarship from Waterford Kamhlaba College.
His academic achievements and personal growth in the United States have been remarkable. “I love my job, and I am staying in the USA through my working visa,” Zwane shared.
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“Since I am married, I will be a citizen soon.”
His connection to SOS Children’s Village began when he was just three months old. “I came to the SOS Children’s Village in Mbabane when I was three months old.
I never knew my biological parents, and I do not have any siblings or relatives that I know of. I was raised by my house mother, Mrs. Vilakati, who, even today, is the only mother I know,” Zwane recounted.
Growing up in the SOS Children’s Village, Zwane enjoyed a nurturing and supportive environment. “I lived my entire life within the SOS village, with other SOS siblings.
I had a good childhood and I value my childhood memories,” he said. His academic excellence was evident early on, leading to his admission to the prestigious Waterford Kamhlaba College for secondary education.
“SOS gave me the opportunity to soar high,” Zwane stated. “The organization paid all my educational fees and provided for all my basic needs until I completed level two of the International Baccalaureate diploma and received a scholarship to study abroad.”
Despite his success, Zwane acknowledged the challenges faced by some of his peers in the village.
“It was unfortunate that other children in the village felt like I was being given special treatment, yet the way I saw it, SOS supported everyone who took his or her dreams seriously,” he explained.
“I personally believe that there are many opportunities for everyone who grows up in an SOS village. It just depends on who wants to utilize those opportunities.”
Reflecting on his journey, Zwane expressed profound gratitude for the SOS Children’s Village and asserted that there is no better family than the children’s village.
“Looking back on where I come from, there was no better family I could ever have than SOS,” he affirmed
