Jabulani Silanda (28) from Ext 10, known as NtalaDipichi, is a former gang member, ex-convict, and mob justice survivor who has turned his life around. From a life of crime to a force for change-Silanda’s journey is proof that true strength lies in transformation. Learning from his past, he now empowers young boys, showing them that crime isn’t smart-choosing a better path is.
Arrested at 18 in 2015, he was sentenced to six years for armed robbery in 2016 after trailing for 6 months but gained his freedom in 2019. Prison’s harsh reality-violence, betrayal and near-death experiences made him reflect. His turning point came when his former gang broke into his home, held his mother and sister at gunpoint and stole from them instead of protecting them. That deeply hurt him, he realised it was time to change his ways.
Determined to change, he reinvented himself as an artist, choreographer, event organiser, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, guiding youth through schools, soccer teams and awareness events.
Silanda told Orange Farm News: “Prison was a nightmare; I nearly got stabbed several times because rival gang members thought I had ranks. I witnessed brutal fights, assaults and things that can break a person’s mind. Jail is like another planet where survival is a daily battle. It can turn you into a monster if you’re not strong. I thank God I made it out alive and now use my experience to empower youth. My message to the youth-listen to your parents; their wisdom can’t be taught in school. Choose your friends wisely because ‘birds of a feather flock together.’ Stay away from crime and this obsession with prison numbers-it leads nowhere good.”
“In life, we must be wise-some people don’t want to see us succeed due to past grudges or their own failures. But we can’t blame the environment for our choices. Every challenge comes with a choice: right or wrong. Life is like a journey in a car-you’re responsible for the direction you take,” he added.
Follow him: Facebook & YouTube – NtalaDipichi
Image: Jabulani Silanda
