By Nangamso Mabindla
12 December 2005

EAST Londoner Viwe Sidali's work with the province's youth was recognised when he scooped the provincial Community Builder of the Year award in the youth category.

The awards were made last month. Then, as if winning the provincial award was not enough, Sidali went on to be named runner up at the National Community Builder of the Year awards held in Johannesburg this month.

Sidali is the chairman of the Eastern Cape Youth Development Board, which aims to assist the province's youngsters escape poverty through job creation and further education.

Speaking about his national recognition, Sidali said, "It was great that our province was recognised for its work and this definitely put us on the map. It shows us that there is a lot of potential in this province."

He appealed to the provincial and local governments to work with community organisations to assist the province's youth escape poverty.

He was saddened that his achievements were not taken seriously in his own province. "The eventual winner, from Limpopo, was accompanied by the premier and a big crowd to cheer him on, but I went there alone."

However, there has been more good news for Sidali and the Eastern Cape Youth Development Board. The Development Bank of Southern Africa last week pledged its support of some of its projects.

"I met [the bank] on Friday and the future looks brighter for our projects. Next year will be even better," Sidali concluded.

Some of the projects he has initiated include a life skills programme, organic farming in Duncan Village, and the Caba Agri Collective in Engcobo in the Transkei.

Earlier this year the board hosted a summit aimed at fighting poverty and unemployment by teaching young people about the economy.

"Every year we aim to hold summits like these to encourage the province's youth to use the opportunities available to them. In a way we are trying to meet the provincial government halfway in this fight against poverty, unemployment and even HIV and Aids," Sidali said.

"The organic farming project in Duncan Village employs 35 young people. To us it is an achievement because these youngsters would be roaming the streets ... if we hadn't created jobs for them."

Sidali said his group, a non-governmental organisation, had more than 130 affiliates, which it aimed to increase over the years.