I was invited to I Am Nobody, an event hosted by the N4E (Not 4 Everyone) movement, by a mutual friend. I went in with an open mind, and I left feeling something rare—genuine inspiration.
This wasn’t just another gathering. It was a statement. A vision. A call to action.
The N4E movement has strong support within Durban’s Muslim community, but what struck me most was how its values extend beyond any single culture or belief system. It speaks to something universal: the need to take control of our home, to build, to invest, to dream beyond limitations.
Yes, there was strong support for Gaza, and while we may not all share the same views or beliefs in the room, what stood out to me was the depth of care people have for others beyond themselves. It was a reminder that community isn’t just about where we live—it’s also about the responsibility we feel toward the world. And yet, despite the weight of that conversation, the focus of the night was something much closer to home: the future of Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the possibilities that lay ahead.
One man, Essop, is the driving force behind this vision. He dreams of a monorail stretching across our coastline, a massive theme park perched high on the hills with a Ferris wheel so tall you could see the wildlife meeting the city skyline. These are the kinds of attractions that could make Durban stand out. But it’s bigger than that—he believes that if we build the best here, people will want to stay here. Durban has the best climate in the world, he says. Unlike the harsh, artificial environments of places like Dubai, our weather is naturally comfortable. We already have what others try to create—we just need to grow on what we have.
The event was filled with brilliant, ambitious minds—people who balance creativity with business savvy. I met Duduzane Zuma, Sabah Akhalz. But more than the names in the room, it was the energy that stuck with me. People weren’t just talking about change; they were actively shaping it.
For me, this was more than just a night of networking. It was refreshing— stepping out of my own bubble, out of that jaded space we all sometimes find ourselves in. It was great to come out of that shell and meet people.
And so, yes, we all wore T-shirts that read I Am Nobody. But maybe that’s the point. Individually, we might be nobody. But together? We are somebody. Together, we can accomplish a lot.