Westonaria — A group of local youth from various schools in and around Westonaria congregated at the Main Library in Westonaria on 7 December 2013 to voice the loss of former president Mr Nelson Mandela.
Quoting Kurt Vonnegut, 13 year old pupil from Gerrit Maritz Primary, Jamie van Rensburg reminded all present that each of us should ensure that we use our live our lives in such a way that we create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.
Jamie said it is by adding value to other people’s lives that we grow and that being part of a community means supporting and being supported. That it is about giving more than taking and that we are responsible for each other, in this touching so strongly on Mr Mandela’s sense of social justice.
Christopher Temba, 17 year old pupil from TM Letlhake High School, voted for this stating: “If lending a helping hand, means money disappearing from those hands to help those that need it then that is an ideal I am prepared to get broke for.”
Talking about the violence which manifested over the past couple of months in our community he said this does not represent the stance of all South African children as there are many children honouring the principles of Ubuntu and that is the youth keeping this hope from dimming.
Dindi Khukhulela, 17 year old pupil from Westonaria High School, remembers Mr Mandela as a man of honour and integrity, a freedom fighter for a nation that was once imprisoned , but most of all a father to our rainbow nation.
Reflecting on Mr Mandela’s life Dindi concluded that with the passing of Mr Mandela we are also saying goodbye to an era of political discipline as he always and in all situations remained humble and respectful and that was what lifted him high above other political leaders.
He carried no bitterness despite 27 years of hardship and he understood the only way to achieve a democratic nation for all was through reconciliation.
Dindi encouraged all youth present to take up the challenge as future leaders to finish wat Tata Madiba has started to ensure his spirit remains alive.
