Touched by the efforts of a group of students who – despite a lack of resources – held an award ceremony for 50 community builders, some recipients returned the favour.
They pledged R27000 in financial support to help sustain the awards.
Eastern Cape psychologists Mhlabunzima Swana and his wife Pinkie were so impressed with the Let It Rain Association (Lira) initiative, they pledged R15000.
Another award recipient, KwaZulu-Natal legislature deputy speaker Dr Meshack Radebe, pledged a further R12000.
The Lira initiative, which is spearheaded by 10 Walter Sisulu University (WSU) students, recognises the service of people from judges, doctors and traditional leaders to church leaders, journalists and those in other sectors.
The event was held on Saturday.
The association said the recipients of the Community Builder Awards were chosen for the impact they made on their communities.
Pinkie said it had been a great honour to receive an award.
“It is an encouragement. It means that I must do more for people,” she said.
Lira members were stunned by the generous donation made by the Swanas, saying it was usually award recipients who received monetary prizes.
Lira chief executive Sinoyolo Nokutywa, a third-year BA student, said: “We are humbled by this gesture. We will continue to learn from people like the Swana family.
“We want other people to learn from them and work hard for their communities and the country.
“We want more patriotic people to be identified and honoured while still alive.”
Lira is a registered non-profit organisation that was established in 2010 by 10 students from WSU’s Nelson Mandela Drive Mthatha campus.
“We appreciate all the people who played a significant role in the development of this democracy.
“These awards seek to promote the values of ubuntu, patriotism, and authentic leadership,” Nokutywa said.
MP Zoleka Capa appealed to Lira and other roleplayers to do more work to support initiatives that focused on the youth.
AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Sigcawu said the awards initiative needed to be encouraged.
“I am pleased that there are youth who are interested on the work done by traditional leaders.
“It means that the country in good hands,” Sigcawu said.
Others honoured include Mthatha Judge Buyiswa Majiki and her husband King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo; philanthropist and Arrive Alive spokesman Tshepo Machaea; public protector Thuli Madonsela; former Transkei president, the late KD Matanzima; UDM leader General Bantu Holomisa; Western Pondoland king Ndamase Ndamase; Former Eastern Cape premier Nosimo Balindlela; Princess Stella Sigcau II and her brother Chief Nzululwazi Sigcau; National Heritage Council chief executive Sonwabile Mancotywa; singer Lusanda Mcinga and journalists Ntsiki Nohiya and Zimkhitha Macingwane.
The awards are expected to become an annual event. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
Students’ initiative gets a cash boost
They pledged R27000 in financial support to help sustain the awards.
Eastern Cape psychologists Mhlabunzima Swana and his wife Pinkie were so impressed with the Let It Rain Association (Lira) initiative, they pledged R15000.
Another award recipient, KwaZulu-Natal legislature deputy speaker Dr Meshack Radebe, pledged a further R12000.
The Lira initiative, which is spearheaded by 10 Walter Sisulu University (WSU) students, recognises the service of people from judges, doctors and traditional leaders to church leaders, journalists and those in other sectors.
The event was held on Saturday.
The association said the recipients of the Community Builder Awards were chosen for the impact they made on their communities.
Pinkie said it had been a great honour to receive an award.
“It is an encouragement. It means that I must do more for people,” she said.
Lira members were stunned by the generous donation made by the Swanas, saying it was usually award recipients who received monetary prizes.
Lira chief executive Sinoyolo Nokutywa, a third-year BA student, said: “We are humbled by this gesture. We will continue to learn from people like the Swana family.
“We want other people to learn from them and work hard for their communities and the country.
“We want more patriotic people to be identified and honoured while still alive.”
Lira is a registered non-profit organisation that was established in 2010 by 10 students from WSU’s Nelson Mandela Drive Mthatha campus.
“We appreciate all the people who played a significant role in the development of this democracy.
“These awards seek to promote the values of ubuntu, patriotism, and authentic leadership,” Nokutywa said.
MP Zoleka Capa appealed to Lira and other roleplayers to do more work to support initiatives that focused on the youth.
AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Sigcawu said the awards initiative needed to be encouraged.
“I am pleased that there are youth who are interested on the work done by traditional leaders.
“It means that the country in good hands,” Sigcawu said.
Others honoured include Mthatha Judge Buyiswa Majiki and her husband King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo; philanthropist and Arrive Alive spokesman Tshepo Machaea; public protector Thuli Madonsela; former Transkei president, the late KD Matanzima; UDM leader General Bantu Holomisa; Western Pondoland king Ndamase Ndamase; Former Eastern Cape premier Nosimo Balindlela; Princess Stella Sigcau II and her brother Chief Nzululwazi Sigcau; National Heritage Council chief executive Sonwabile Mancotywa; singer Lusanda Mcinga and journalists Ntsiki Nohiya and Zimkhitha Macingwane.
The awards are expected to become an annual event. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
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