NSIKAZI – Sidell’s main objective with her visit was to support all programmes aimed at providing capacity building to the young people of the district.
She will issue five bursaries to the best-performing pupils for tertiary studies of their choice at the end.
She said as a newly elected councillor, she would like to thank the community for voting her into power. “Continue to lift the flag of the ANC high, and unite our communities towards the realisation of the vision of building a united, non-racial, non-sexist democratic society. Together we want to build a society that is free from ignorance, exploitation, diseases, hunger and starvation. We chose Khumbula High because it is an old school that has produced a lot of academics and adults who have touched the lives of many people in a positive way.
“The school, because of its rich history, has assumed an attitude of heritage. It is named after two well-known chiefs, Chief Khumalo of the Khumalo clan and Chief Mbuyane of the Mbuyane clan. Many distinguished leaders, like Dr Enos Mabuza, are products of this school. It gives us a strong reason to come here and celebrate Heritage Month because of leaders and other many academics of note. This part of our history will never go unappreciated,” she said.
Emphasising the seriousness of education, she said, “Ehlanzeni District Municipality wants to commit itself to give access to university education to five of your matrics for the 2017 intake. We have confidence in our pupils. They could be from the poorest of the poor families, and whatever they will achieve at university through these bursaries, would be a part and parcel of our heritage as a nation.
“We believe in love and giving. This initiative will not be influenced by any political affiliation nor religious consideration. For this noble task to be realised, there will be a need for key stakeholders in this particular event, particularly the school and the university, in ensuring that we build a sustainable and prosperous nation together. The situation on the ground calls for a collective effort in everything we do. There is a call for new ideas and innovation if we indeed are to turn the current socio-economic situation around,” said Sidel.
In parting, she encouraged the pupils to consider their God-given talents because the world really needs talented and innovative young people. They were told that if they exercised their talents, not only would the world make room for them, but they would benefit handsomely.
