When he wasn’t studying, Athenkosi Kinana dedicated his time to tutoring high school learners for free and organizing initiative to support underprivileged children in his community.
This week, the young preacher from Mdantsane, who made a name for himself as a community uplifter through his philanthropic efforts during his Law studies at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), became the first graduate in his family when he received his LLB.
Raised in an informal settlement, Athenkosi says he has first-hand experience of growing up in a disadvantaged environment.
“Where I grew up, it was not a conducive environment to raise a child, especially one with an absent mother. Sometimes I would go to school on an empty stomach, with the school nutrition programme being my only meal for the day. For school clothes and study tools, I often relied on the generosity of teachers.”
However, his background would later become the fire that fueled his passion to empower others.
With the help of his aunt, who later took him in and became his greatest supporter, he was able to complete high school, matriculating from Philemon Ngcelwane High in 2020. He then enrolled at UFH to pursue a Law degree.
During his first year at university, Athenkosi said he remembered where he came from. Knowing very well that there were children in similar situations, he decided to go back and plough back into his community—offering free tutoring, mentorship, and hope to those who needed it most.
“I started the tutoring programme when I realized that a lot of learners were struggling with their studies, especially mathematics. So, I invited learners from various schools to converge at Songezo Junior Primary School for free lessons.”
Over the years, the programme has grown significantly. “I now have some of my peers who have joined me, and we are tutoring over 300 learners in various subjects such as Natural Sciences, in addition to Mathematics.”
The classes are currently held at David Mama High School in Mdantsane on Saturdays.
His giving spirit didn’t end there. Two years ago, Athenkosi launched a Christmas Food Drive, where he collects food and prepares Christmas lunch for underprivileged children in the community.
“I know how it feels to be hungry—not by choice, but because there is nothing to eat. Giving back gratifies me,” he said.
His efforts did not go unnoticed, with media outlets such as the Daily Dispatch profiling his philanthropic work.
In his graduation address, UFH Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu said: “Athenkosi didn’t just excel in the classroom, he excels as a human being.”
Now pursuing his Master of Laws (LLM), Athenkosi says his aspiration is to remain a giver of hope and an inspiration to others. “I do not want to be remembered for what I have achieved—instead, I want to be known for the impact I have made in the lives of others.”
