“The turnout was amazing. I’m so humbled and grateful. I give all glory to God…”
Serurubele Jones is a larger-than-life powerhouse, he is a big ball of fun, energy a lot of talent. Residing in the vibrant and Arty area of Ekurhuleni – He continues to leave an indelible mark in his community.
Serurubele is truly a multifaceted force, with dominating presences as a makeup artist, Master of ceremonies, Actor, and LGBTIQ Activist. His impressive achievements are what makes him truly – a force to be reckoned with.
Jones was crowned as the winner for the 2023 Unseen international pageant, he also clinched the first runner-up title of Mr. Gay Nation SA pageant in the same year, a MAMA nominee and now a nominee at the upcoming UA pageantry awards under LGBTQ influencer and LGBTQ of the year categories respectively. It’s impossible to argue how astounding his influence towards promoting LGBTIQ rights and freedom is.
On the 1st of June 2024, Serurubele hosted his first ever community outreach passion project – Charity Gala In the Garden at the magnificent Makhulong Park in Tembisa.
Attendees were encouraged to donate toiletries, food items or any clothing items specifically for boys. All the donations made were then handed over to Tembisa Drugs Rehabilitation Movement 1632.
In an exclusive interview with SA POSITIVE NEWS Serurubele Jones poured his heart out about his evident passion for boys.
“The passion about grooming a boy child started way back. I grew up in the family where we have a lot of girls than boys and they always get the best treatment because they are female, as I grew up observing I saw the gap – that the boy child is neglected”, said Jones.
“Looking at Gender Based Violence – one of the root causes is that most men don’t want to open up about their emotions, fears and insecurities because of the cliche “indoda ayikhali” (A man doesn’t cry), so I see a need to start as early as possible to groom and mentor them, hear their cries and make a safe space for them.” He continued
Serurubele’s ultimate vision is to establish his very own foundation before the year end. Three out five men are raped in South Africa, and no one is ready to talk about that and possibly find solutions to that atrocity and more male related societal ills – his foundation will then attempt to bridge that gap and create a safe space for young man.
Serurubele’s Charity gala In the Garden was indeed an auspicious occasion worthy to go down in history books.
Beverly Pills Ratcliffe was a perfect choice for an opening act. The talented multifaceted star understood the assignment, it’s safe to say that they ate and left no crumbs. The jubilant crowd would attest to that.
Mr. Gay Nation SA 2024 Finalist and all round Superstar Thabang P Modisha hosted the event, as one of the best master of ceremonies in Tembisa – he did a stellar job and had the entire crowd at Makhulong park eating in the palm of his hands.
The guest speakers were an array of the biggest names in the community building space, Pageantry and Activism.
Talented Musician Sizasana Music serenaded attendees with a rendition of Aye Adaba by Asa and Malaika Nakupenda Malaika, which is a Swahili song written by Tanzanian artist, Adam Salim in 1945. What a voice! What a star! What a breathtaking performance! The South African music industry is in good hands for sure.
People from all walks of lives honoured the invitation. The venue was filled to the brim.
“The turnout was amazing. I’m so humbled and grateful. I give all glory to God because I believe if it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t have done it. When you have God by your side everything will go well”, said Jones.
When SA POSITIVE NEWS Asked him about his inspiration behind organising an event of this calibre, Jones said: “To make these young men feel welcomed by their respective communities, to show them that they are still loved and they are forgiven – thank you to everyone who made it possible.”
The future certainly looks bright for Serurubele Jones. He plans to elevate his brand and collaborate with organisations that aligns with his ethos and vision.
SA POSITIVE NEWS applauds Jones for the exceptional work he’s doing for the community of Tembisa and looking forward to seeing how he brings more LGBTIQ representation in Ekurhuleni and continue to use his platform to uplift and amplify the Black queer voice.
By Sinenzolo Mondi
