By Nokuthula Sibiya
As we commemorate Youth Day this Friday and Father’s Day on Sunday, there are events lined up this weekend all over the country. Here is what to look forward to in Grahamstown this weekend.
The celebrations got off to an early start on Thursday afternoon with a Youth Day celebration hosted by the Albany Museum’s Nozipho Madinda. The theme of the event was: Year of OR Tambo: Advancing Youth Economic Empowerment. The guest speaker was Phila Nkayi , who spoke on the importance of the youth being involved in politics and issues involving their communities. The speech was followed by a discussion and entertainment from learners from various schools in Grahamstown.
Today at 9.30am is a DA Youth Eastern Cape Provincial Rally at Tantyi Hall. Those speaking include councillor Darryn Holm who is the DA Youth Frontier Constituency Chair, Khanyisa Daweti, the former DA Youth Eastern Cape Provincial Chair and Rashied Adams who is the DA Youth Eastern Cape Provincial Chair. This event is open to all members of the public.
Also at 10am today there will be an fun walk/run organised by Nontsikelelo Stamper which hopes to raise awareness of the aim to end the abuse of women and children. The march will begin and end at Tantyi Lower School. The march will be followed by talks led by various community members and a pledge will be taken by men who promise to try to protect women and stop abuse against women and children. The fun/walk run is free of charge and all are welcome to attend.
Later today, at 1pm, there will be a Sole Memorial Church youth event in the recreational hall organised by Moira Tesna and Salacia Goliath. This Youth Day event will be an empowering one for all who attend, with a variety of motivational speakers to inspire the youth.
There will also be a Game Day for the youth in Ward 7 at Tantyi Hall hosted by Councillor Malibongwe Khubalo and Multimedia Makenik at 2pm to commemorate Youth Day. On the day there will be a variety of computer and indigenous games to be played. and short documentary screenings.
On Sunday, 18 June, there will be a Boys to Men Empowerment Seminar at St Patrick’s Catholic Church on Hill Street in celebration of Father’s Day. This event aims to bring boys and men of all ages together to discuss issues that they face. The line up includes Dr Mthembeni Tebelele, Rammie Xonxa, Loyiso Nqevu and special guest speaker DJ Luckeez from Umhlobo Wenene. There will also be entertainment from musical guests Nqontsonqa, Simbone Inyange Lesihobe and many more. Tickets are available at Makana Tourism and Pick n Pay.
A long awaited event that is happening this week is K-day which began on Wednesday is hosted by St Andrew’s College, The Diocesan School For Girls and St Andrew’s Preparatory School who will be hosting Kingswood College. This annual derby is popular among sports fanatics who come from all over to watch pupils compete in netball, rugby and hockey. The event ends on Sunday and is open to all.
