Students who nominated Judy Silwana as a local hero said she was nothing short of a goddess.
Silwana, 44, a programme coordinator of the department of social responsibility (DSR) at the Diocese Anglican church of Grahamstown, has been commended for going beyond the call of duty by several students she mentors under the church’s various programmes.
Athenkosi Mtana, 21, an executive member of Help-A-Student, nominated Silwana, saying she was the “engine” behind their organisation which hosts career expos, helps students with bursary options and encourages them to be aware of their human rights.
“Although the organisation is affiliated to the church, she has gone beyond the call of duty and helped us be the well-recognised institution we are by giving us her support.
“She is the reason we are able to help other students.”
Mtana said gala dinners and fundraising events held by the organisation were often the brainchild of Silwana.
Noluthando Dike, 30, a manager at Friends for Life, a Keiskammahoek- based NGO which is also affiliated to DSR, said Silwana had changed her life.
“She has never judged me by my past … Instead she has groomed me and made me the confident woman I am today.”
Dike said she had been the breadwinner for her family, living off a salary of R400. She felt different from the other girls and was withdrawn due to this, but all of that changed when Silwana noticed her.
“She buys clothes for us, so we cannot be embarrassed and feel left out when we are among more fortunate children. She has given me confidence and I know many others can say the same.”
Dike, a mother to a five-year-old child living with intestinal cancer, said Silwana was very supportive of her child.
“She’s always at hospital with me, buying medication for my child and, at times, buying my monthly groceries. She has no boundaries, she does it all.”
Kholwani Mgujulwa from the Eastern Cape LGBTI said Silwana was an inspiration to the youth.
“She is a goddess. She is selfless and supportive. Whatever pain you go through, she feels it and exhausts all means to alleviate it.”
Silwana said she was humbled by the nomination from “her children”.
“I regard all of them as my children, and what kind of mother would I be if I did not educate them?
“As a mentor and a mother, I need to be sure they have the right tools to be what I know they can be.”
She said it was fulfilling for her to watch the students grow into powerful, confident people.
“I want to instill ubuntu in them, they must not forget the good traditions that build a society.” — mbalitanana@dispatch.co.za
Students hail selfless mentor
Silwana, 44, a programme coordinator of the department of social responsibility (DSR) at the Diocese Anglican church of Grahamstown, has been commended for going beyond the call of duty by several students she mentors under the church’s various programmes.
Athenkosi Mtana, 21, an executive member of Help-A-Student, nominated Silwana, saying she was the “engine” behind their organisation which hosts career expos, helps students with bursary options and encourages them to be aware of their human rights.
“Although the organisation is affiliated to the church, she has gone beyond the call of duty and helped us be the well-recognised institution we are by giving us her support.
“She is the reason we are able to help other students.”
Mtana said gala dinners and fundraising events held by the organisation were often the brainchild of Silwana.
Noluthando Dike, 30, a manager at Friends for Life, a Keiskammahoek- based NGO which is also affiliated to DSR, said Silwana had changed her life.
“She has never judged me by my past … Instead she has groomed me and made me the confident woman I am today.”
Dike said she had been the breadwinner for her family, living off a salary of R400. She felt different from the other girls and was withdrawn due to this, but all of that changed when Silwana noticed her.
“She buys clothes for us, so we cannot be embarrassed and feel left out when we are among more fortunate children. She has given me confidence and I know many others can say the same.”
Dike, a mother to a five-year-old child living with intestinal cancer, said Silwana was very supportive of her child.
“She’s always at hospital with me, buying medication for my child and, at times, buying my monthly groceries. She has no boundaries, she does it all.”
Kholwani Mgujulwa from the Eastern Cape LGBTI said Silwana was an inspiration to the youth.
“She is a goddess. She is selfless and supportive. Whatever pain you go through, she feels it and exhausts all means to alleviate it.”
Silwana said she was humbled by the nomination from “her children”.
“I regard all of them as my children, and what kind of mother would I be if I did not educate them?
“As a mentor and a mother, I need to be sure they have the right tools to be what I know they can be.”
She said it was fulfilling for her to watch the students grow into powerful, confident people.
“I want to instill ubuntu in them, they must not forget the good traditions that build a society.” — mbalitanana@dispatch.co.za
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