On Saturday, 20th April 2013, the newly established IkamvaYouth Branch in Ikageng, North West, held its very first Open Day. A huge effort went into preparing for this day, and it was satisfying to see the effort being duly rewarded with a great turnout on the day. We were honoured to have IkamvaYouth National team, Gauteng team, ABI, Department of Education, Thembalidanisi School and its representatives, parents, volunteers, Ikageng community, aspiring Ikamvanites as well as Ikamvanites.
Ikamvanites formed a guard of honour at the gate, welcoming our honourable guests as they arrived. A warm welcome was rendered by a very energetic MC, Modjadji Selowe, Ivory Park Gauteng Branch Assistant. The Thembalidanisi learners opened the programme with a gumboots dance and a welcoming song that kept everyone entertained. The Ikageng Branch Coordinator, Zanele Mdletye rendered welcoming remarks to the guests, in turn, the Ikamvanites and the guests joined in, in wishing Zanele a happy birthday, a very special moment! Our guest speakers expressed positive observations about the IkamvaYouth model and offered their support.
Mr. Fanie, the Thembalidanisi School principal as well as Ms. Yessel, Area Manager from the Department of Education shared how they had doubts about the programme initially. However after witnessing the model in action for the past two months, they believe and support the programme. They expressed gratitude’s to IkamvaYouth and ABI for renovating the school as well as opening the first IY North West branch in the Ikageng area. They committed to support and wished us growth in the North West Province.
ABI Goldfields District Manager, Mr. Roston Bibb, spoke about the role played by ABI in the communities and expressed gratitude for a good working relationship they have with IY. He further addressed the crucial role played by IkamvaYouth in communities.
Joy Olivier, IY Director took us through how IkamvaYouth was established, as well as why Ikageng. National Coordinator, Zamo Shongwe explained the IY model and what is required to become an Ikamvanite. She outlined learner and parent responsibility, the attendance requirements as well as explained reasons for possible dismissals/ kickouts. Parents and learners asked questions to which Zamo gave clarity.
In closure, the Ikageng Ikamvanites sung their souls out and left the audience with goose bumps.
As the final part of the day, the Ikamvanites and ABI engaged in a game show battling through questions for prizes. The prizes were sponsored by ABI. Patrick Mashanda, the Gauteng District Coordinator rendered voted of thanks to our guests on behalf of IY and closed the programme.
Thereafter lunch was served, sponsored by ABI.
It was humbling to see such support, this spirit made this a really successful and positive day all round. Barely three months old, Ikageng Branch has laid a very firm foundation in the North West Province. Now, that’s innovation!!
Lloyd Lungu