Madiba's old gym still creating fighters

Even from his hospital bed Nelson Mandela continues to inspire underprivileged youths.

Evidence of this can be seen at the Donaldson Orlando Community Centre, in Orlando East, Soweto, where he used to hone his boxing skills.

There are no statues or posters in his honour.

Most of the current members of the gym do not even know that they are following in the footsteps of their hero.

Built in 1948, the DOCC, as it is commonly known, was planned as a youth centre for the growing Soweto population. It would years later become the second home of the celebrated statesman.

More than six decades later the centre is still creating fighters, though of a different variety.

"I used to be a drunk but now that I have been coming here I have changed," said Matthews Nengwekhulu, 23, a volunteer at the centre.

The gym itself is a wonderful metaphor for the new South Africa that Mandela helped to build despite the cracks in some of the walls and unfinished work here and there.

There is not enough equipment to cater adequately for everyone's needs.

Some of the features from the original apartheid-era structure remain but the work that has gone into the centre has improved the life of many people in the community.

The notes next to every mirror in the room, such as "No eating at the gym please!", give you a sense of the value the place has for the people who train there.

Recent renovations include new lights and training equipment. New showers have been installed.

"We didn't have sufficient training equipment before," said Retselisitsoe Ratsoene, 29, who has been a member for more than five years.

The centre does not cater only to boxers.

"We have a lot of activities here, such as boxing, soccer and aerobics to try to keep the kids off the streets and get them focused on something more positive," said Tumelo Mabitle, 20, a former boxer, now a volunteer at the gym. He is proud of the effect it has had on his community.

The Soweto YMCA owns the gym. Though many of its young members do not know its history, the influence of great men abounds.

Despite poverty and hardship, members are prepared to fork out the R100 a month membership fee to better their lives.

"The centre has changed the community a lot. It keeps kids away from drugs and crime," said Mabitle.