Lohatla, December 7 – A thousand youth gathered for the Department of Social Development’s National Youth Camp at the Lohatla Combat Training Centre, Northern Cape Province, have paid tribute to Nelson Mandela.
Following the news of the passing of the first president of the democratic South Africa, the youth were given an opportunity to speak out on the opening day of the Camp, December 7, about what Madiba meant to them and how they will honour his memory.
Neo Gadipedi, a Northern Cape delegate, said Madiba meant everything to him because it is through his struggle that “I am able to study and walk free in my own country. I will continue to learn more about him as a hero of our struggle so that I can try to emulate him.”
Winnie Sibaya from Mpumalanga said she considered Mandela a great leader whom she looked up to and wished he had lived longer. “I will honour Tata Mandela by working with youth in my community to ensure they stay away from drugs and alcohol and rather spend their time in sporting activities,” said Winnie.
Eastern Cape delegate, Luyanda Mqokozo, said “Mandela is the father of the nation and is the one who made me who I am today. I will continue Mandela’s legacy by starting a youth group in order to take youth off drugs and create employment through a crop farming project.”
Sello Mokhemisa, from the Free State, has also pledged to start a youth project in his community to identify income generating opportunities for unemployed youth to continue the work Madiba started.
According to Romano Blegenhout from the Western Cape, Nelson Mandela is the best president South Africa has ever had because he was able to unite all races. He says he is inspired by Madiba in the work he is already involved with in his community of Oudtshoorn to prevent violence and crime.
Despite their obvious sadness about the passing of the world renowned South African struggle icon, the youth started off the day by singing struggle songs in celebration of Mandela’s life.
The Youth Camp brings together young people aged 17 - 24 across race, ethnicity, gender, class and language from all nine provinces under the theme: “Working together for youth development towards a drug-free South Africa”.
The prime objective of the Camp, hosted in partnership with the Department of Defence and Military Veterans, is to promote national identity, nation building, social cohesion, patriotism and a strong sense of citizenship among young people of South Africa, principles that Mandela stood for.
The Camp was meant to go on until December 19 but has been shortened because of the period of mourning that has been declared by the President of the Republic, Mr Jacob Zuma, following Madiba’s departure. The Camp will now conclude on December 13 and give the youth the opportunity to be home with their families for the funeral of their icon on December 15.
During the Camp young people will also participate in discussions around the many challenges they face, including living without parents (child-headed households), access to education and skills training, unemployment, alcohol and substance abuse, sexual abuse, youth pregnancy, social and cultural integration, and HIV/Aids, to name a few.
