Message of Congratulations on the 20th Anniversary of The Bambisanani Partnership
His Excellency Mr Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo, High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to the United Kingdom.
On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, and the South African High Commission in London, I extend my warmest congratulations to the Bambisanani Partnership on the remarkable occasion of its 20th anniversary.
Since its establishment in 2006 through a partnership between St. Mary’s Catholic School in Menston, Yorkshire, and Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, the Bambisanani Partnership has grown into an inspiring example of what can be achieved when people and communities across countries work together towards a common purpose.
Over the past two decades, the Partnership has used the transformative power of sport and education to create opportunities for young people, particularly in the rural communities of Nkandla, while building enduring bonds between South Africa and the United Kingdom. More than 40,000 young people across over 60 schools, colleges and universities in our two countries have participated in its programmes, benefiting from initiatives promoting education, leadership, health, sport and global citizenship.
The name Bambisanani — meaning “working hand in hand” — could not be more fitting. The Partnership embodies the spirit of Ubuntu and demonstrates that sustainable development is most effective when it is founded on mutual respect, reciprocal learning and genuine partnership. Importantly, this has never been a relationship flowing in only one direction. Young people and institutions in both South Africa and the United Kingdom have learned from one another, developed lasting friendships and gained a deeper appreciation of our shared humanity.
I am particularly encouraged by the Partnership’s sustained commitment to the young people of KwaZulu-Natal. Initiatives such as Leadership through Sport, Literacy through Sport, Numeracy through Sport and Cycling to Success demonstrate how sport can be used not simply for recreation, but as a powerful instrument for education, personal development, confidence and opportunity.
The recent international recognition of the work undertaken by KZN Cycling and the University of Leeds is further testimony to this impact. Their cycling programme in Nkandla has enabled more than 12,000 young people to acquire cycling and bicycle-maintenance skills, while expanding opportunities for mobility, recreation and participation in sport. Such achievements demonstrate the tangible difference that sustained international cooperation can make in individual lives and communities.
The Bambisanani Partnership also represents an important dimension of the longstanding relationship between South Africa and the United Kingdom. While relations between our countries are conducted at government level, their true depth is equally reflected in the relationships between our schools, universities, communities and people. For twenty years, Bambisanani has helped strengthen these people-to-people ties and, in doing so, has contributed meaningfully to the friendship between our two countries.
I therefore wish to recognise and thank the founders, trustees, volunteers, educators, coaches, participating institutions, supporters and partners in both South Africa and the United Kingdom whose commitment has sustained this extraordinary initiative. Above all, I congratulate the thousands of young people who have participated in its programmes and who continue to carry its values into their schools, professions and communities.
Twenty years is a significant milestone, but it is also an opportunity to look towards the future. I hope that the Bambisanani Partnership will continue to grow, reach many more young people and deepen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between South Africa and the United Kingdom.
May the next twenty years be as impactful and inspiring as the first. Congratulations to the Bambisanani Partnership on twenty years of working hand in hand and changing lives.
His Excellency Mr Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo, High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to the United Kingdom.
