Inkanyezi Zezwe celebrates Youth Day in the streets
"The event started yesterday on June 15, the purpose was to have girls talk with them and remind them of their customs and roots, that what it is to be a maiden/virgin."
BOPHELONG. – This June 16, as many South Africans took the commemorative walks down the memory lane, Inkanyezi Zezwe marched to the streets of Bophelong and Muvhango in honouring the lives of the youth of 1976.
Inkanyezi Zezwe is an ‘Izintombi’ (virgins) group from Orange Farm Ext 4 led by Nombeko Nonjaca and Philisiwe Mwelse, the girls celebrated Youth Day on the streets of Bophelong singing and dancing in their attires of Izintombi . The primary aim for the march was to recruit young girls who are still holding on into their roots in a world where many have forsaken their culture and to teach them that the youth of 1976 fought for this freedom, and that they should acknowledge themselves as they are future leaders.
Nonjaca the leader of Inkanyezi Zezwe said, “Us coming here in Bophelong was that I have a branch also this side so they have asked us to come and celebrate Youth Day. I saw it as a good thing because most of the time we always have events in Orange Farm. The event started yesterday on June 15, the purpose was to have girls talk with them and remind them of their customs and roots, that what it is to be a maiden/virgin. Then on June 16 we marched from Bophelong to Muvhango, it was to emphasise that it does not mean that when it is June 16 youth should be out in the streets doing no good, and it was also to thank them so that they can be proud of themselves.”
The girls’ parents we also there to support and show love to their children. The township itself was filled with ululation, traditional songs and dancing.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, a member of the group, Masindi Buthelezi, shared some words of encouragement to her peers, stating:
“To youth I would encourage them in saying, listening to your parents is very important and they should see beauty to what we are doing. Yes, there will be challenges that they are going to face such as peer pressure but obeying your parents and choosing friends wisely can really keep them on a right track. When growing up we meet people who will influence you but it is important to know what’s bad and well, and upholding your roots.”
The group will appreciate any donation any sponsor, for this contact Nombeko on WhatsApp at 079 779 3622.
