A ‘NO’ means that a ‘YES’ is possible

If an old man like Heath Ledger can get an Oscar for showing the world his crying abilities on screen then it is criminal when the best performance ever in life has not yet been honoured with the same accolade. Who can explain the snub? I don’t know, maybe the man’s life was not documented yet.

Surely in our lifetime we have heard the word ‘NO’ more than any word, but the NO’s we have encountered are just a drop in the ocean compared to the NO’s Gideon Maleka has faced.

He is one of a few select who triumph on making lemonade out of lemons. I felt the truth in his words accompanied by minor gestures. His mouth exhaled a fine voice with ponds of sense. I then stereotypically decided that is how Pedi people are-they possess passion.

The motto, “after every storm there will be sunshine” has been his biggest mantra. He developed resistance attributes during childhood-being the second born of five children taught him to become a strong young man and be the bigger person, a role which he still cherish.

Gideon Maleka, who experienced tough times during his childhood, had a dream. He wanted to be an attorney which he chose after poverty exercised power over him. In plain text he was after money which would in return enable him to change his family’s landscape. What a dream that was. After a thorough self-introspection he realised his interests and abilities-creativity, writing prowess and that unexplained media bug. Perfect match indeed.

In a perfect world there are critics and his decision of choosing an unpopular career path was severely scrutinized-“I even turned my family away, but if you’re correct they will realise that and share in your success”. This man followed what he believed in-he never even once defied his parents who imparted respect, humility and discipline in him.

Whoever came up with the saying, “a village brings up a child” was referring to this child (Gideon Maleka) and the village Mashite in Gamphahlele. The respect in him is from a profound setting. “Even against the big apple it would still be Mashite”, he said with a broad smile. It was vivid from his reaction that something special had been evoked, and why not, he has great mementos about that setting.

I couldn’t help but notice his grooming sense. One word - neat. His taste buds in music are exquisite, he’s into classical music. This conversation took place under the sensational sounds of Kenny G on the background which was really a nice soundtrack.

His dream momentarily shattered when the NSFAS declined his application in 2014. “Dreams delayed are not dream denied”. Gideon’s friend John Ngwati fully agreed. In 2013 he suffered the same faith. Both men thanked the High one for pulling them trough. Gideon even extended his hand by inviting me to come with him to the Z.C.C Sunday service. I obliged. I must say I had a blast.

If onions can make a grown man cry, who was Gideon not to cry after receiving a call from TUT confirming that he had been granted a place to pursue his dream of being a journalist?

A fighter - not in a literal sense but a person who is persistent, determined and philanthropic in nature. Gideon is not done; he would like to become an established journalist and take his philanthropic venture to a larger scale.

“Actually we never remember individuals.” Gideon is one in an elite group of people who would appreciate it if his works become appreciated more than him the individual. Let’s take the baton and continue running the race of life bravely even away from his presence.