Ambulance assistant wins award for awareness campaign
WHEN a Durban ambulance assistant started the Izimbali Zezwe (flowers of the world) campaign to raise awareness of youth-related issues in July, she did not expect to win an award.
Zodwa Msibi, who works at Netcare 911’s Alberlito operations, in Ballito, was presented with the Netcare 911 Carer of the Year award at a ceremony in Sandton, Joburg, recently for her role in educating and improving young girls’ lives.
Her non-profit organisation focuses on issues that include teenage pregnancy, genderbased violence, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/Aids education.
When she founded the programme four months ago, her aim was to motivate girls at secondary schools about their potential to become who they want to be and not be put off by peer pressure or background.
Msibi fell pregnant at 17 and uses her experience to talk about problems girls face regarding sex and pregnancy.
“The rate of teenage pregnancies has escalated and, as an ambulance assistant, I am exposed to many girls who are pregnant at a young age. They think their parents will help raise the child. The sad reality is they just do not care if they are pregnant. It only sinks in when they become aware of the huge responsibility that comes after giving birth.
“I also wanted to show girls there are ramifications to their actions and the risks of having sex at an early age. The statistics on teen pregnancies are embarrassing,” said Msibi.
The mother of two has helped some girls who were sexually assaulted, raped and physically abused. She referred them to social workers for counselling and support.
To get her message across, Msibi uses real-life scenarios, motivational talks and props.
She jokes that some of the images were used to impose fear while showing the consequences of risky behaviour.
She says the award has motivated her to continue the work she started. “This award was a surprise. I did not start this campaign to receive accolades but to change lives.
“I might not change everyone’s views but changing just a few would be great. It is an hon- our to be recognised for my work and it encourages me to want to do more.
“Izimbali Zezwe wants to do more next year and will need community support to make this happen. I also hope to tour around South Africa and share my story.”
Msibi hung her award in her manager Shaun Paul’s office to share the accolade with her colleagues.
Anyone interested in helping can call 062 407 5669.