18 July is the birthday of South African hero and legend, the late Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela, a day celebrated by many throughout the country. The FunDza Literacy Trust was fortunate to have been invited by a dynamic young man, Sisonke Mengcane, the director of Ikusasa Lethu, in partnership with City of Cape Town to Khulani Library. The event celebrated the great legend who led South Africa to freedom.
The event was blessed with the presence of various dignitaries, as well as our partner in literacy Nal’ibali, the Empilisweni Social Workers and very importantly the children, as our great leader really loved children.
Ward 92 Counsellor Xoliswa Pieter kept the crowd entertained as she carried out her duties as Master of Ceremony. It was indeed an honour for FunDza to celebrate with the children of Khayelitsha from primary and high schools. The children packed the library hall dressed smartly in their school uniforms even though the schools were closed. Their excitement though was the highlight of the event.
We were treated to a session where the young ones did book reviews that they had worked so hard on during the week, so that they could present to the public. They did this with great excitement and confidence. African Soul, a dynamic group of three made up of two boys and a girl – extremely talented – entertained us with beautiful music. Watch out for them in the future! They were joined by a multitude of other entertainers, including poets, story tellers and motivational speakers.
The talent demonstrated on the day was exactly what Madiba had envisioned and indeed the very thing he gave his life for by spending 27 years in prison. Madiba, all your dreams have been achieved, your children are free and may your beautiful spirit rest in eternal peace. That was the take home message for everyone that attended the event.