THE STORY OF CARVIN KHAMBULE
Meet Carvin Khambule, an up-and-coming videographer who filmed content for Global Camps Africa at the October 2024 session of Camp Sizanani. Born and raised in Johannesburg, Carvin faced many of the same hardships as our campers, but he never stopped chasing his dream or believing in his own incredible potential.
Hello, my Name is Carvin Khambule, I am 27 years old.
This story is one of immense resilience, faith, and the pursuit of a creative dream despite nearly insurmountable challenges. Born and raised in the bustling streets of Alexandra, I faced heart-breaking adversity at a young age. When my mother passed away, I was chased out of my home weeks after the burial and my little brother passed on after. These devastating losses left me without family, home, or support, and for a time, I felt hopeless and utterly lost.
With a deep-seated passion for creativity and film-making, I sought shelter from friends and family, but found closed doors at every turn. Desperate and filled with fear, I turned to the only place left for me: the local mall, where I sought help from the security guards. In an act of kindness that rekindled my spirit, one security guard offered me a safe place to sleep at night. For nearly three months, I spent nights there and days searching for hope, driven by a vision of creating something meaningful.
But life on the streets of Johannesburg was unforgiving, and my journey of survival continued. For almost three years, I struggled to get by. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I sought a fresh start in Orange Farm, seeking escape from the taunts of former friends who mocked my situation, taking my picture and sending them in group chats for a laugh. A stranger from Mozambique offered me a place to stay until I got back on my feet. Once again, I was a stranger in a new place with nowhere to go. Turning to a nearby mall, I found kindness from another security guard, which gave me the strength to continue.
In a bid to catch someone’s attention and an opportunity, I always stood at the traffic lights 6 days a week from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm. I created a simple sign that read: “Please believe in the creativity I provide; one chance is all I need.” For more than a year and 4 months, I stood at busy intersections, hoping someone would see my potential. My persistence paid off when a kind stranger noticed me and asked me to design a logo for his business. I worked to impress the man, who went on to give me another task and soon after, he donated a camera to me to encourage my talent and passion, sparking the beginning of a brighter chapter in my life.
With the new camera in hand, I pursued every opportunity to grow my skills and network. Then, one day, I came across Camp Sizanani on Instagram, an organization working to uplift young people in disadvantaged communities. Inspired by their mission, I reached out to Claire, one of the team members. To my surprise, Kabelo, another member of the Sizanani staff, drove to meet me personally. He welcomed me into his house and family. Camp Sizanani offered a place where I could not only heal but also contribute my talents. Through emotional workshops like Splatter Painting, I was finally able to confront and release the heavy burdens of my past. The hugs, the laughter, and the unwavering support at Camp Sizanani were like nothing I had ever experienced; it was here that I found love and belonging.
Camp Sizanani’s support, the payment I received for my services, helped me with financial stability to prevent me from losing my rented home in Orange Farm. Their help came at a time of great need, allowing me to keep my precious camera and, with the money earned, register my business, XUnimet Promotions. This marked the birth of my dream, where I could finally pursue my passion for storytelling and brand creation through my own company.
I want to say Thank You So Much For The Support And Love Received. I would also love to thank Claire, Kabelo, Emily, and Phil for their kindness and support.
I look forward to working together once more.
Business: XUnimet Promotions
Instagram: @xunimetp
Twitter: @xunimetp
LinkedIn: XUnimet Promotions
Email: carvinxolani01@gmail.com