In your own words
The Thabang Xaba Foundation congratulates the newly crowned Mr and Ms Kwa-Thema.
Thabang Xaba writes:
The scourge of substance abuse and teenage pregnancy continues to ravage our youth. With the absence of recreational events in our local communities, children find themselves with nothing to do but partake in drugs and other immoral acts aligned to substances.
Many of these children are gifted and have abilities in the art and culture space, but without the local support of both the community and business, we are in danger of losing their talents.
Our communities have been taken over by gangsterism, drugs, crime and alcohol. The Thabang Xaba Foundation aims to revitalise art, sport and recreation activities within the community of Ekurhuleni. Thus far, it has initiated three local football teams, a few art groups and the recent Mr and Ms Kwa-Thema 2022 event.
On Saturday, heritage day saw more than 600 young people assembling in the community hall to witness the crowning of the new Mr and Ms Kwa-Thema 2022.
They are the community ambassadors who are expected to inspire positive change within their peers from all the local schools.
The hall was filled with young people from all walks of life, some in their traditional regalia, all in a celebratory spirit of Heritage Day.
As a foundation, we host the event annually as a vehicle to address youth challenges such as substance abuse and teenage pregnancy. This is a methodology that seems to be effective among the youth.
This is a different generation from others and how you bring advocacy programs that aim to impact lives needs to be presented as such. This generation doesn’t appreciate being told what to do and does not subscribe to the old school of doing and don’ts.
They believe that one needs to be of example and inspire one to change lives, which challenges a lot of interventions because for many years we used a method that forces them to change rather than change behavioural patterns.
Through dance, drama and modelling young people enjoyed a jam-packed program designed by local chorographers who kept the audience on their toes and inspired the youth who were present.
The event was also supported by upcoming local dance groups, art organisations, fashion movements and music artists.
Unity was a highlight of the day not only in our diversity but together as youth organisations and in our strategic partnerships.
The youth of Ekurhuleni is rising to take charge of the change they wish to see in their communities and confidently mapping a way forward for those who are in leadership.With that said, I would like to congratulate our newly crowned Kwa-Thema ambassadors, Lindiwe Lecekoane Ms Kwa-Thema, Bandile Mabuza representing the LGBTQI community, Katleho Makwe Mr Kwa-Thema, Mbekezeli Mtsweni first prince, Tshenolo Sibutsana second prince and Karabo Letlatla first princess and Hope Makua second princess.
Follow us on: 
