It takes a village
With no intention of speculating on what caused the deaths of 21 teenagers at Enyobeni tavern in East London recently, perhaps the community should consider embracing the concept that it takes a village to raise a child. Back in the day, everyone played a part in a child’s life. As a rural boy who grew up in Lusikisiki in the Transkei, I ended up knowing that every elder in the community is my parent.
Until today, I still live by those instilled values. This does not mean in any way that I am immune to making mistakes. But I’ve learnt that what I cannot do in front of parents, I cannot do in front of any elder of the community. The community instils this culture by playing different roles in the development of a child. I strongly believe that even today we can do likewise by supporting sport.
Here in Ndlambe, we have kids who are sport inclined and rallying behind those kids could go a long way. On June 30 Ndlambe Municipality launched its Ndlambe Young Achievers Award annual event. It was heart-warming to see local musicians, top performing pupils and players from various sport codes being acknowledged. The municipality confirmed that this would be an annual event celebrating any young person playing a role in the community.
One non-profit organisation that plays a vital role in keeping youth busy is Nemato Change A Life. It continuously equips disadvantaged kids with much-needed life skills while also producing athletes who compete provincially, nationally and internationally in various codes.
It was also heart-warming to witness local teenagers participating in the Sarah Baartman District netball tournament on Saturday. Junior Vintage Galz were crowned 2022 junior Twizza Champions and coach NomawethuNgangqu was named coach of the tournament. Read on page 16 why this is such a special achievement.
This tournament came at a time when schools are closed. If kids aren’t given the opportunity to engage in constructive activities, the door is opened to destructive and dangerous behaviour. Sport requires discipline. It demands time for training. You have to look after your body - and believe me, you want to.
Ndlambe is blessed with businesses, non-profit organisations and local government initiatives that support children in sport. Talk of the Town has on numerous occasions reported on their support in cash, kind or coaching local sport initiatives. We would mention you by name except we’re afraid of leaving someone out. We see your generous support that is part of developing Ndlambe’s children. You have no idea how valuable it is to a child to be able to play a sport he or she loves because of your support - be it financial, a donation of kit donation or transport. Truly, it takes a village to raise a child.