2023 reaches new heights: saying yes to life

This weekend was about the community getting together and singing the same tune. It was about saying yes to life in no uncertain terms.

To all the Ms and Mr Love to Live contestants, to all those that supported the motorcade, to all the designers showcasing absolutely beautiful outfits, to the learners that performed magnificently on stage, to all the honoured guests that sacrificed their time to grace the event, to all the mind-blowing celebrities and artists who set the stage alight with inspiring performances, to the runners and walkers that participated in the family fun run, to the Pietermaritzburg community who supported the event in huge numbers and to everyone that helped to make a difference this weekend you are all winners.

You are winners because you had the courage to make your voices heard and supported the powerful message of say yes to life, saying yes to peace, saying yes to love and respect, saying yes to social cohesion and living side by side and saying no to drugs, self-harm, violence, bullying and corruption.

It was an amazing sight to see the apt attention paid by the youth who were being educated by their peers on crucial public health issues.

Thirty local schools enthusiastically embraced the event by participating in various talent contests, in which a strong message of “Say Yes to Life” was sent out to the community.

Berg Street Primary School deserves special commendation for their awesome drum majorette display in support of the annual motorcade, not to mention the cyclists and other supporters. Northdale Primary School choir made their presence felt with an awesome rendition of the National Anthem on Saturday morning. Heartfelt thanks to all principals and educators of participating schools, who must be generously complimented for encouraging active participation from learners and staff.

Thank you to all educators for invaluable assistance as marshals. Despite the economic downturn, the Love to Live fun run raised in excess of R600 000, which will be distributed to participating schools at an awards function on Friday, June 23 at the Eddels Sports Club.