Despite all the challenges his family has been through, Siboniso Dlamini has been able to shake off all the tribulations.
His success in the African Art Competition is proof of that.
Siboniso recently came third in the creative side of this competition under the theme “Why I like the Spring Alive birds”.
Siboniso was one of the 67 000 children across Europe and Africa who participated in the programme where they learned about avian conservation across flyways, as they engaged in Spring Alive migration-themed activities.
Spring Alive is an international project organised by Bird Life International, a worldwide organisation for the protection of birds. The campaign is designed to promote children’s interest in nature conservation through tracking the arrival of spring.
Siboniso entered the competition after being encouraged by his then principal, Ms A. Roux, at Chrissiesmeer Laerskool where he was a Grade 7 learner last year.
Speaking to the Highvelder, Ms Roux said Siboniso has been one of the special learners and marvellous in athletics, especially high jumping.
Siboniso says he is passionate about drawing and always competes with his mother, who is also excellent at the art.
The 13-year-old Siboniso wishes to become a veterinarian or nature conservationist.
His mother, Ms Thulisile Nkosi, said she couldn’t believe the news that her son was one of the winners.
“I know my son loves drawing and to encourage him we always compete in the house, but I never thought he would go this far,” she said.
She also encourages other parents to support their children in whatever they show interest in, especially in the rarer fields of study.
Ms Nkosi says her son started drawing at an early age, but she could not understand his interest in birds until she learned more about the programme.
Mr Dave Rathbone presented Siboniso with a third place certificate for his participation in the competition.
Siboniso and his mother were overwhelmed when he received a surprise gift from the HOD of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA), Ms P.S. Xulu, during the celebration of grass- and wetlands at Chrissiesmeer recently.
She announced that, as a department, they were donating a laptop to Siboniso to make it easier for him to do his research, much to the delight of the guests.
The mission of Bird Life South Africa is to promote the enjoyment, conservation, study and understanding of wild birds and their habitats.
