President Jacob Zuma was welcomed at Kingswood College's Wyvern Club on Wednesday afternoon, by the President's Award for Youth Empowerment Trust, where he participated in a memorable Youth Dialogue. Marimba bands played and a group of Kingswood pupils waited patiently, along with a large police contingent.
President Jacob Zuma was welcomed at Kingswood College's Wyvern Club on Wednesday afternoon, by the President's Award for Youth Empowerment Trust, where he participated in a memorable Youth Dialogue. Marimba bands played and a group of Kingswood pupils waited patiently, along with a large police contingent.
Finally, at 3pm, President Zuma arrived at the Wyvern Club and everyone stood up in silence as he walked in, escorted by tight security.
The Programme Director Nadine Bailie, Gold Award Holder 2004, opened proceedings and kept people laughing with a few jokes about the President.
A welcome by Martin Scholtz, CEO of the President's Award for Youth Empowerment followed.
Then, Hodago Minney spoke about the value of service, Thandolwethu Taki on the value of sport, Zola Mgwebedu on the value of skills development and Onyeka Osonde on the value of the adventurous journey.
Zuma, who is Patron-in-Chief of the President's Award for Youth Empowerment, then addressed the gathering, saying it gave him great pleasure to be part of such a prestigious event.
"This occasion is extra special to me, as it marks the first formal engagement I am attending as Patron in Chief of the President's Award for Youth Empowerment since taking over the baton from former president Nelson Mandela in August last year," he said.
Zuma said it was fitting that his first engagement as Patron in Chief was taking place in Grahamstown, because this was where the Award Programme started 28 years ago.
"It is even more significant to do so during Nelson Mandela Week, which is recognised worldwide as a week of doing something good in honour of [former]President Mandela."
Later, Zuma was asked questions by representatives, relating to the theme of "Challenges of Youth in South Africa Today". Closing comments were made by Xolile Madinda, Gold Award Holder 1999, and there was a vote of thanks by Sibabalwe Quma, Gold Award participant and Grahamstown Youth Committee chairperson.
Head of the Programme for the President's Award for Youth Empowerment, Lindumzi Komle, wrapped up proceedings as President Zuma went outside to have his photograph taken with the Youth Dialogue participants.
