Sad day in history is commemorated
This year marks 27 years since the March 11 Lowveld Massacre at Nsikazi when the unprecedented killing and bloodshed of young civilians occurred.
NSIKAZI – In South Africa, 27 is not just a number, it has a deep historical meaning. It is the total number of years spent in prison by South Africa’s father of the nation, a global icon and peace lover, the late Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
This year marks 27 years since the March 11 Lowveld Massacre at Nsikazi when the unprecedented killing and bloodshed of young civilians occurred.
Representatives of the Mbombela Local Municipality went to the Nsikazi Community Hall this past Saturday to commemorate this essential day. Instead of focusing on what happened in 1986, the municipality’s MMC for transversal services, Cllr Busi Mdluli outlined the need for a “different approach, a more developmental approach that will leave the youth of Nsikazi empowered and hopeful for an even better future”.
As a result, youth-empowering institutions were invited to impart information which the youth needed for their development.
Sakhele Ngwamba of the National Youth Development Agency (Nyda), gave a detailed presentation on the nature of services offered by the agency, including the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship fund.
This scholarship was launched by the president Jacob Zuma last Friday at the Sandton Convention Centre and currently has funding of R20 million. Ngwamba further outlined in detail the new grant system, career-guidance services, business-plan development and an array of other services offered by Nyda.
Hlengiwe Ngomane of the Motsepe Foundation also spoke about the funding available to communities including bursaries and funding for arts, music, sport and youth-owned businesses. She encouraged young people to make maths their 12th language, the 11th being sign language. She also encouraged young people to understand that maths is an everyday part of life and it is only when young people will start realising this that South Africa will become a better place for the youth.
Ngomane further encouraged prospective students to apply for bursaries as early as June. Application forms are available on www.themotsepefoundation.org and interested applicants can also get information on the Facebook page: Motsepe Foundation Mbombela.
The Masibuyele kuJehova group, women who were very popular in the 90s, serenaded attendees with their majestic voices proving that their talent was still very much alive.
