Lungelo Maphalala
Tell me about yourself and your family?
I am Lungelo Maphalala born and raised in Newcastle, Madadeni. Graduated at the University of KwaZulu-Natal with an Honours Degree in Psychology. I come from a family of 6 members me being the last born of the family. We were raised by our loving and caring grandmother who was a bit strict and I am very close with her. She’s my human diary.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about mental health and providing emotional support to individuals who are faced with past/current traumas and finding healing and ways to deal with daily challenges. I am also passionate about working with children and adolescents who have learning challenges, helping them find a safe space to be themselves and know there is someone out there who understands and is willing to listen to them.
What three words describe you when you are not at work?
Loud, friendly and caring
What are you looking forward to in your new role at dlalanathi?
In my new role as a Youth worker I’m looking forward to working with different people, learning and expanding my knowledge, and sharing creative ideas. Working closely with the youth in helping them discover their strengths and capabilities and finding various ways to deal with the social ills they are currently faced with in their communities.
What motivated you to go into youth work?
My love for working in the communities started when I was an adolescent. Having lost my mother at the age of 7 years motivated me in wanting to help communities. So basically my story motivates me towards community work. People are vulnerable, people are hurting, and people are broken. There are a lot of emotions one goes through in just a day. Being part of an individual’s healing journey is very much fulfilling.
What keeps you going?
Taking walks, going out with friends and family for lunch or picnics at the park as well as just being in my own space at home in my room. Practicing mindfulness and being in sync with the inner spiritual being and recharging. Also having to make an impact in someone’s life.