The Power of Choice

Magadien Wentzel is a celebrity in Manenberg Township today. Yet things were not always this way. His story is one of spiritual and psychological transformation. Born during apartheid and given away at birth, he became a gangster.

This past Saturday he came to the life skills course at the Ntonga Music School to educate the youth about making choices. Raised in District Six, a mixed race suburb outside Cape Town, as a youth, the gun was all he knew. Outraged by the white man and apartheid regime at age 20, he CHOSE the life of a gangster becoming a member of the 28's Gang. He became one of the most powerful and feared gang leaders in South Africa. In August 1999, a tornado on the Cape Flats destroyed his home but spared his son. This moment changed his mindset. He realized God was watching over him giving him a second chance in life. He chose to leave the 28's Gang and give up everything, including his wife who left him for another 28's Gang member.

His intention at Ntonga Music School on Saturday was to support and educate youth to make the right life choices.

He told the Ntonga Youth that everyone has the right to make their own choices. The stick you wielded yesterday will be a gun today and a prison cell tomorrow. "I chose prison, a 25 year sentence. The truth is, jail is a waste of time." Unfortunately many people dont know what they want, and make the wrong choices. He then asked certain students "who are you and what do you want?" These questions invited the students to think and reflect for themselves.


He believes the key to life is knowing oneself and having love and respect for the self. A person with self respect will gain love and respect from others. When speaking to youth he asks questions to encourage youth to take responsibility for their lives and define for themselves right from wrong. Following his release from prison in 2003, some wanted him dead. His commitment to projects like Fatherhood Project, has granted him respect within his community. Today he is committed to supporting youth in turning their lives around. Using his life as an example, he advises youth seeking guidance, to find an alternative to guns and drugs.

The Ntonga Music School hopes to collaborate with Magadien in equipping Ntonga Youth and the course facilitators with skills to expand and enhance teaching. Educating youth educates a community and empowers the next generation of South Africans.

More to come, stay tuned.

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