While rugby and soccer are the chosen hobbies of many young men, 21-year-old Siyabulela Dyasi has found another way to spend his free time.
Dyasi counts bellringing as his favourite hobby, and he said the decision to stop playing rugby has been well worthwhile.
While rugby and soccer are the chosen hobbies of many young men, 21-year-old Siyabulela Dyasi has found another way to spend his free time.
Dyasi counts bellringing as his favourite hobby, and he said the decision to stop playing rugby has been well worthwhile.
Dyasi first developed an interest in this unique hobby in 2004 when a friend took him to the cathedral and showed him the bells.
After the visit Professor Colin Lewis encouraged him to learn about bell handling. "It was hard at first but as time went on it became easier," said Dyasi.
He said that while he was undergoing lessons, other students quit but he said he "loves a new challenge so I continued with the training".
Dyasi is currently studying Information Technology (IT) at East Cape Midlands College and he said he enjoys the combination of his studies and hobby, both of which require focus and hard work.
In an effort to encourage the art of bellringing, Dyasi holds sessions with children from Eluxolweni Shelter and he said that "although some don’t show much interest in the course, others enjoy doing something unique and challenging."
According to Dyasi, bellringing is "not that popular" in South Africa, which is why he decided to teach others. At the moment Dyasi is a trainer and would like to attend a course in Hereford in the UK where he will learn how to conduct the bellringing routine.
He said the biggest challenge he is facing is the question of funding, which he needs to secure by 20 January.
Interested donors who enjoy hearing the bells are urged to assist him with his mission by placing their donations at service collections or in the appropriate boxes in the cathedral.
The donations can either be placed in the donation box or handed to the office. The donations should be clearly marked "Bellringing Appeal."
