Rally ends Youth Month
By Tabisa Mntengwana
08 July 2009
YOUTH Month was wrapped up over the weekend at a function organised by the City and the Steve Biko Foundation (SBF).
The celebrations, at Maclean Square in King William’s Town on Saturday, 4 July, featured activities including poetry, hip hop sessions, dance and open mike.
Festivities kicked off with a welcome by Jongile Hoza, the SBF’s arts and culture officer. “We are grateful for the youth who are here to help develop and popularise our cultural programmes and forge an identity for the youth of Buffalo City so that the foundation can help youngsters gain confidence in everything they do.”
Speaking about the purpose of the day, Hoza said: “The intention is to develop a database for artists in Buffalo City which will help us [the SBF] know who is involved in arts in the Eastern Cape.”
Giving her keynote address, ward councillor Nomfanelo Madonono said: “Youngsters are urged by the municipality to visit government offices to learn about opportunities available to them.”
City opportunities ranged from bursaries to getting driving licences and skills development programmes. “All these initiatives are meant to benefit the youth, which is why young people must enquire about these services and make use of them.”
Hoza added that the day was also set aside to create awareness of the current social ills and challenges facing the youth, such as crime, HIV/Aids and moral regeneration.
Various motivational speakers also had a platform. Eastern Cape HIV ambassador Mbulelo Dyasi spoke about the rate of HIV/Aids infection in the province. “The youth is faced with a lot of challenges, including the high rate of HIV infection. [But] we are here to support and help you,” he said.
Menzi Nogaga gave a talk on ubuntu and youth in moral regeneration. “Youngsters should know that they are the leaders of tomorrow and should take charge of their lives.”
Thulani Sibango talked about the effects of crime on the individual and the community. “Crime destroys a person’s life and their future.”
The day concluded with dances by the Kingdom Youth, a hip hop group, Brainstorm Hip Hop Movement and the Belcanto Singers. Poets Jamaica, Bizo and Spokie also performed.
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