Watts of Wonder: From Spark to Screen in an African Township, population 163,216 people, annual household income within the City is R 29 400

My beautiful brother John H. Eschenburg may his entrepreneurial memory last for eternity ! Gone for 9 years today but never forgotten . His birthday falls on Australia Day, quite ironic as he was for ALL PEOPLE, ALL INCLUSIVE an incredible man. This is how he started to transform a community.

As I sit here painting a picture in his honour, reflecting on John's incredible life, he really did live. From a gyrocopter in our backyard, hang gliding, , music, he always had the best sound systems.

John even taught my twin sister and I to scuba dive in our family pool I was seven years old. Life long fantastic memory. Such an incredible big brother.

It got me thinking of the legacy he has left to so many people. We actually do not know how he has impacted their lives ..... the ripple effect.

"Watts of Wonder: From Spark to Screen in an African Township & thriving community" Vosloorus, population 163,216 people. annual household income within the City is R 29 400 $2940 per annum.

Today is my late brothers birthday, and I would like to honour his legacy by passing on his incredible life story and legacy

In the bustling township of here dreams often face more power cuts than possibilities, one entrepreneur dared to light up the lives of the community in a truly electrifying way. Meet John Eschenburg, a visionary IT specialist, electrician and entrepreneur with a flair for the cinematic, and humanitarian who turned a flicker of an idea into a full-blown reality by transforming shipping containers into cozy cinemas made out of shipping containers.

John Eschenburg journey began like any other, with a toolbox in one hand as he stated his apprenticeship at the age of 16 and a spark of inspiration in the other.

"I always loved movies," John chuckled, sitting in the sweet spot "but going to a cinema was a luxury many children growing up in poverty in South African townships couldn't afford.

So, I thought, why not bring the magic of the big screen to their doorstep and tack on education to give them hope?"

Armed with nothing but a few containers and a dream that could power a city, John set out to redefine the meaning of "movie night" in . It wasn't long before his idea gained traction, and the community got charged up with excitement.

The first challenge? Converting the containers into cinemas that rivaled Hollywood. John, visionary-turned-entrepreneur, dove headfirst into the project, juggling wires and dreams with the precision of a trapeze artist.

I laughed when he said "I had to make sure the popcorn machine didn't short-circuit with the projector – we didn't want a buttery electrical fire hazard," he chuckled.

As the containers took shape, so did the anticipation within the community. Soon, what were once dull, steel boxes transformed into vibrant, buzzing hubs of entertainment. The locals couldn't believe their eyes – or their luck.

"The first movie night was surreal," recalls Vosloorus resident, Thandiwe. "We were used to makeshift screens and dodgy projectors in the community hall, but this was something else. John really gave us a taste of Hollywood right in our backyard."

Word spread faster than a superhero's cape fluttering in the wind. The container cinema Reagile IHS became the hottest ticket in town. Families flocked to the makeshift theaters, and friendships were forged over shared laughter, and collective gasps and shared dinners during action-packed scenes, music Andre Rieu to name a few legends.

John’s visionary venture giving back to the community and transforming lives one person at a time was his purpose.

John had real love of community, which not only brought joy but also ignited a spark of hope within the community. "People started believing in possibilities," he says, with a twinkle in his eye. "If we could turn containers into cinemas, what else could we do?" We could use the cinemas for teachers to educate.

In true entrepreneurial spirit, John Eschenburg expanded his vision. The container cinemas became not just places for entertainment but also hubs for education, community events, and even local talent showcases. Suddenly, a simple movie night turned into a cultural phenomenon, with the containers acting as catalysts for change.

ReaGile IHS container cinemas stood tall, a testament to the power of a dream electrified by passion and a touch of humor. "Who knew John Eschenburg a visionary entrepreneur could be a life transformer too?" he grins. "It's been a wild ride, but seeing the community come together under the stars, surrounded by the glow of the big screen – that's the real magic."

In a sprawling township, Vosloorus, a suburb in Gauteng Johannesburg South Africa it is testament and proven that dreams can indeed light up even the darkest corners.

And so, the township continues to shine, one movie night at a time, with John Eschenburg as its electrically charged visionary, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a spark to turn a dream into a blockbuster reality.

Sadly John lost his life tragically in a motor bike accident 9 years ago in August, but today is his birthday, and I am going to forever honour his legacy on this day, but encouraging people to take the first step in doing good and transforming generations.

Today as I sit and paint his life story, I have many fond memories as his youngest sister. I am sure I have my adventurous spirit becuase of the fun we had with our big brother.

I have fond memories of him teaching me to scuba dive at the age of 7 in our family pool, I will also remember playing for hours on his Gyrocopter which sat in our garden when we were little. We made up the best adventures all because of John and his tenacious spirit.

May he rest in peace. I bet he is sitting in the sweet spot in heaven listening to the Angel choirs singing happy birthday to him. #inclusive #humanitarian #IT #cinema #education #entrepeneur