A Pietermaritzburg man is working tirelessly to turn the tide for the city’s youth facing overwhelming hardships.
Victor Dube, 35, recognised as this week’s Unsung Hero, founded Love Incarnate, a non-profit organisation (NPO) aimed at empowering vulnerable communities, including sex workers, drug addicts, and children.
Established in 2017, Dube’s vision and mission is to uplift those who feel abandoned in society.
With a comprehensive approach to support, Love Incarnate focuses on the UMgungundlovu District, aiming to assist its most disadvantaged residents.
Dube’s motivation stemmed from witnessing many young individuals falling into the grips of drugs and sex work due to dire circumstances.
“When I saw the many young people who end up on the streets of Pietermaritzburg, for example, some getting into drugs and others into sex work, not because they wanted to but because of compelling circumstances, I knew something had to be done.
“I also made a commitment to do something together with other like-minded young people. Dr Nelson Mandela once said ‘be the change you want to see’,” said Dube.
Under Dube’s leadership, the organisation runs programmes to combat issues such as HIV, tuberculosis, and gender-based violence.
Love Incarnate has also initiated soup kitchens to provide hot meals to the indigent and supports community gardening by distributing seedlings, enabling families to cultivate their own vegetables.
In addition to direct community assistance, the organisation provides opportunities for graduates and young people to volunteer, allowing them to gain experience in administration and marketing roles.
Despite the challenges of funding, with the organisation primarily relying on individual donations and initiatives like Bootcamps, Dube remains optimistic.
He believes in empowering others. “I love to empower other people,” he said.
Dube completed high school at Nomaswazi High School in Pietermaritzburg, before enrolling for a facilitation qualification. In addition to short courses in Finance, Project Management, Human Resources and Governance, Dube is also pursuing a qualification in Law at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
“I draw my motivation from our heroes like the great Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, whose dream was freedom and equality to prevail.
“I also believe that one day every South African will not have to worry about the basic necessities of life, HIV, or that they may be the next victim of GBV,” said Dube.
He said that he had many hopes for the future of the organisation.
“I see Love Incarnate not just as a national organisation, but as a global organisation helping even victims of war gain access to the basic necessities and achieve their dreams,” said Dube.
The team at Love Incarnate also consists of Menelisi Cele, Slindile Mthethwa, Nkosinathi Jele, Londeka Gumede and Noluthando Myeni.