NEWS
Bambisanani Partnership / John Paul II Foundation for Sport Annual Sporting Awards presented at Ntolwane Primary School
There was great excitement this week as the annual Bambisanani Partnership / John Paul II Foundation for Sport Awards were presented at Ntolwane Primary School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
There was great excitement this week as the annual Bambisanani Partnership / John Paul II Foundation for Sport Awards were presented at Ntolwane Primary School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
The winners of the awards were:
(From right to left in the photograph):
Awande Zuma: Sportswoman of the Year
Amahle Shangase: Sports Leader of the Year
Siphesihle Mzobe: Sportsman of the Year
Mr Moses Xulu from Ntolwane Primary School said: “On behalf of the School Sports Committee I wish to thank the Bambisanani Partnership and the John Paul iiII Foundation for Sport making the dreams of the learners to come true through these prestigious awards. The recognition and motivation in sports is appreciated so much. Awande is a real ‘superstar’ in sports where her talent, training and determination have gained her both medals and records. She has real focus but also encourages others to get involved and love what they do. Amahle is a fantastic leader and coach who inspires others with her positive attitude. She is always focussed on the vision of the team. Her encouragement of others to participate in sport is excellent. Siphesihle has tremendous all round sporting talent. He always demonstrates good character both on and off the field. These awards are really special and we would like to send our very best wishes to the Bambisanani team and sponsors.”
Whilst modest and unassuming, the students themselves were clearly thrilled with the awards:
Awande Zuma:
"I was very delighted to receive this important award for being Sportswoman of the Year - it makes me feel so good.”
Amahle Shangase:
"I am so pleased to be named as the Sports Leader of the Year - I am really honoured.”
Siphesihle Mzobe:
"I wasn't expecting such an award but I feel so honoured as a contributor in sports to be named as the Sportsman of the Year.”
David Geldart from the partnership added: “What impressive young people they are! We send our congratulations and best wishes to them all. We will follow their progress in sport and indeed their academic studies very closely as they move to High School next year. Our special thanks must go all at Ntolwane Primary School for nurturing this talent and of course to Monsignor Vladimir Felzmann (Father Vlad) and all at the John Paul II Foundation for Sport for sponsoring these awards that continue to inspire and motivate.”
We did it! 10,660 miles
The 2020 Yorkshire to South Africa run, walk or cycle challenge has been Completed.
The 2020 Yorkshire to South Africa run, walk or cycle challenge has been Completed.
We aimed to walk the distance from St. Mary's Menston to Mnyakanya High School, we actually did more. Thank you to everyone who took part in and supported in this challenge, which as the links below show, had a significant impact at Mnyakanya High School.
Also see the links below for other related stories about the Mnyakanya School Water Project:
Mnyakanya Water Project Completed and Making a Difference (12/10/2020)
Mnyakanya School Water Project moves quickly to make a difference (28/09/2020)
Otley Lions support Bambisanani Partnership in ambitious African Water Project (24/08/2020)
Bambisanani Partnership helps South African children return to school with water supply connection (23/07/2020)
VIDEO: Bambisanani Challenge 2020 Animation (17/07/2020)
Yorkshire to South Africa run, walk or cycle challenge will help save lives (07/07/2020)
The Bambisanani Partnership 2020 Challenge (11/06/2020)
Bambisanani Awards continue to inspire and motivate
The annual Bambisanani Awards were recently presented at Mnyakayana High School in KwaZulu-Natal to six talented students.
The annual Bambisanani Awards were recently presented at Mnyakayana High School in KwaZulu-Natal to six talented students.
From left to right: Bandile Ntanzi, Sthembile Dlezi, Nontethelelo Gasa, Sandile Mpungose, Sifiso Mnqayi, Siyabonga Mbambo
Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani Co-ordinator at Mnyakanya School spoke of the importance of the prestigious annual awards: “The Bambisanani awards for 2020 had a great impact in motivating and awakening hope in Mnyakanya students, who were greatly demotivated by Covid 19 pandemic which disturbed the 2020 academic year; they have lifted spirits. Students were not sure whether their efforts in school activities would be fruitful or not. The award winners were so excited to be recognised for their efforts. They are motivated to do more at school and to attend classes actively. They developed higher self-esteem and self-confidence. They are a great inspiration to other learners who saw those receiving awards. I wish to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for introducing these inspirational awards. We especially remember at this time, Laurie McCauley and Sibonelo Magwaza who continue to motivate through the very special awards in their memory. Even though the Bambisanani volunteers were not with us this year for the presentation they were certainly with us in spirit.”
The recipients were clearly delighted with their awards:
John Paul II Foundation for Sport Sportswomen of the Year: Bandile Ntanzi said:
“I am very happy to be named as a Sportswomen of the Year. It will also inspire other learners. I have seen many students wishing to take pictures with me holding this award. I felt like a famous person! I do believe that my career in sports will be brighter in the future. Thank you very much to the Bambisanani Partnership for recognising me as the Sportswomen of the Year.”
Sthembile Dlezi won the Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award:
"It is a great pleasure for me to win the Creative Writing award. I am very happy that my writing skills have been internationally recognised. This award is motivating me inexplicably. The award will definitely go a long way to make my future brighter because I will always mention this achievement in my Curriculum Vitae when applying for jobs! I wish to thank everyone involved in recognising me."
Having won two awards the multi-talented Nontethelelo Gasa could hardly contain her excitement:
“It is amazing, I can’t believe that it is me who is holding the Sibonelo Magwaza Award of an outstanding young leader and the True Spirit of Sport Award. Thank you very much to the Bambisanani Team. This makes me to see that my future is brightening. It’s like I have already received my final year results. I am really motivated to be more active in all school activities and hope to achieve more in future.”
No less excited was Sandile Mpungose who won the Laurie McCauley legacy Award for the Most Improved Footballer:
“Yesss , I’ve got it! I have been wishing to hold the Laurie award for many years. I was greatly inspired by the previous year’s award winners. I am very grateful that this year it is mine to hold. I am also hoping to inspire others. This makes me proud as a sports person. I also hope that my team mates will be very proud of me. This award motivates all of us as a team to work harder. I feel honoured and humbled. Thanks to all the Bambisanani team for making this happen.”
Sifiso Mnqayi was surprised with his award:
“I am Sifiso Mnqayi, a new grade 12 learner at Mnyakanya. It’s so exciting for me to be awarded with the ‘HELPING OTHERS ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIAL AWARD’. I never thought that my teachers were appreciating what I do to this extent. So this award is really a surprise to me. At school I am organising peer teaching and group studies after school to encourage high achievement to my class mates. I also assist others with subjects that I know better. This award is really a great motivation to me and also to my class mates. I feel like I am a well-known person even internationally. I wish to pass my sincere gratitude to all who made this happen.”
John Paul II Foundation for Sport Sportsman of the Year Siyabonga Mbambo added:
“It is a great honour for me to be recognised with the Sportsman of the Year Award. I really like football and wish to be a professional player one day. This award is giving me hope for the future based on my present performance. I hope this will also encourage others in soccer. Ngiyabonga kakhulu kwiBambisanani Partnership.”
David Geldart from the partnership said:
“You only have to read the quotes above and see the photographs to get a sense of just how important these awards have become. Recognising and rewarding achievements is so important at any time but it is particularly significant in this very difficult and testing year. I congratulate all the award winners; they are truly outstanding – keep working hard; nothing succeeds like hard work, persistence and determination. Our thoughts are always with the wonderful McCauley and Magwaza families at this time. The awards in memory of Laurie and Sibonelo are both aspirational and inspirational – what a wonderful legacy. We also thank Monsignor Vladimir Felzman (Father Vlad) and the John Paul II Foundation for Sport for their fantastic support of the partnership and in particular helping to establish the annual awards which acknowledge the power of sport as a force for good. With the presentation and photographs over, many more students will now be aspiring to gain one of the prestigious awards in 2021!”
New Trustee appointment for Bambisanani Partnership
The Bambisanani Partnership has recently appointed Brogan O’Connor as a Trustee of the charity.
The Bambisanani Partnership has recently appointed Brogan O’Connor as a Trustee of the charity.
Brogan O'Connor Bambisanani Partnership Trustee
Brogan has been involved in the work of the partnership ever since visiting South Africa as a St. Mary’s School student. Her exceptional work as a Bambisanani volunteer in South Africa was recognised by her being awarded the prestigious Sbonelo Magwaza Award for ‘Outstanding Leadership’. Whilst at Northumbria University Brogan developed her passion for sport and international development by returning to Africa several times both as a volunteer and leader of volunteers. At university she held key leadership roles including being elected Student Sport President and Board Member of the Northumbria Sport Foundation. She went on to become the youngest Student Sport Participation Manager ever appointed at the university.
A clearly delighted Brogan said: “The Bambisanani Partnership is a charity that I support wholeheartedly, ever since my first visit to South Africa as a St. Mary’s student in 2011. In the 9 years since my visit to Mnyakanya I have remained in touch with the partnership and followed its work closely; I continue to be impressed and inspired by the amazing work being done between two brilliant communities. I couldn’t be more proud to be appointed as a Trustee and I am looking forward to working closely with the rest of the team to continue the amazing work the partnership does day in day out!”
Bambisanani Founder and Chairman, David Geldart added: “Quite simply Brogan is an outstanding young women who will bring much the partnership. Her exceptional track record in international volunteering, sport development and charity governance will enable her to make a significant contribution to the team who are committed to extending our work in one of South Africa’s most deprived areas using sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership. Brogan is both an outstanding leader and team player; her experience, ability and enthusiasm will enable us to have even greater impact in the future. Positive, proactive people that care always make a difference and we look forward to working with her.”
Brogan will join existing Board Members David Geldart, Darren Beardsley, Barbara Pounder, Andrew Lockwood and David Thorpe.
Bambisanani volunteer becomes trustee [WHAREFDALE OBSERVER]
Bambisanani volunteer becomes trustee [CATHOLIC UNIVERSE]
— The Bambisanani Partnership (@BambisananiPart) December 1, 2020
LISTEN: Wonderful interview this week with Lucas Radebe on the Matthew Lewis and Jermaine Beckford podcast (Doing a Leeds)
The Bambisanani Partnership is mentioned towards the end of the episode.
““You would not need to be a sports fan, football fan or Leeds United fan to really enjoy it. A great insight into one of the Leeds United Greats - Lucas Radebe (The Chief) - the interview is fascinating and inspirational with the humility and humanity of Lucas shining out.””
Lucas Radebe
LINK TO LISTEN:👂
The Bambisanani Partnership is mentioned towards the end of the episode.
Mathew, former St. Mary's Menston student, remains a big supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership.
Photos: Mathew Lewis playing in Bambisanani Partnership Fundraising Football Match when he was at St. Mary's.
Mnyakanya Water Project Completed and Making a Difference
This week saw the completion of Phase 2 of the Water Project at Mnyakanya School.
This week saw the completion of Phase 2 of the Water Project at Mnyakanya School.
All the pipe, guttering and related plumbing work is now fully operational and connected with the mains water supply and the storage tank facility which we installed last month. Working with the local community, we have delivered the project on budget and ahead of schedule despite considerable challenges.
It would be difficult to overstate the importance of this project and its impact at Mnyakanya School and indeed with the wider community; as our Bambisanani Coordinator at Mnyakanya, Mrs Pk Zondi has already said: “…it has saved lives and is improving the quality of life and the life chances for our learners”.
This week has seen some additional problems in the Mnyakanya area where the benefits and impact of the Water Project have been highlighted.
Pk explains:
“Today’s weather ranges between 34 to 36 degrees. No water supply again in the whole community and in schools. And we don’t know where the problem is, and how long it will last. Without the water tanks our school would not have operated today. No meals would have been provided to the learners. With water tanks everything is normal, no learners are fainting or crying with headaches as it used to be, previously. Community members are coming in and out to ask for water.
I wish to pass a massive ‘thank you’ on behalf of all the Mnyakanya community for the huge Water Project that has been delivered to our school. I strongly believe that we will never have a time again, when there will be no water at all in the school. As I’m speaking, water is found in almost every corner of the school because of the water tanks that the partnership has facilitated. Social distancing for Covid-19 is well maintained since learners do not have to line up at one single tap now to get water. May God bless all the Bambisanani team for ‘walking in our shoes' even though we are so far from each other.”
The delivery of the Water Project has been a great team effort with funds raised by our wonderful supporters in both the UK and South Africa. A key element of the project has been the involvement and engagement of local community members, including students from the school, who volunteered their time and labour working to prepare the site. This significant contribution massively reduced overall costs and enabled a more comprehensive project to be delivered. Special thanks must go to all the volunteers who worked on the project – NGIYABONGA KAKHULU! This week it was most humbling indeed to catch up with some of the volunteer team:
“I am Thabani Khanyile, a grade 10 learner at Mnyakanya. It was a great opportunity for me to do volunteer work on the Water Project in my school. This was important for me because our school has long faced a challenge of water supply. Before we were at school for the whole day without water to drink and to wash our hands. The water tanks will enable us to stay at school safely and healthy.”
“My name is Magwaza Bonginkosi. Firstly, I wish to thank our Bambisanani friends for being so kind to us. The offering of water tanks in our school will make our life at school to be enjoyable. We will feel taken care of and treated like humans. I decided to assist with volunteer work in this project because we have suffered for a long time without water. If we had no water supply in the taps we had no alternative water source. When the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, we had to stay at home. I love the Bambisanani Partnership.”
“I am Diffat Mulozorana staying close to the school. I am a Zimbabwean by birth. I was so shocked when my friend told me that the neighbouring school has no water tanks as an alternative source of water. I volunteered for this water project at Mnyakanya because of this fear of Coronavirus that may affect people if they don't wash their hands. This virus would not only affect people in the school, but could spread from the school to the whole community and destroy us all. Water tanks also help community people if there is no water supply from the taps. Thanks to the Bambisanani Partnership to make us live safely.”
Sipho Shangase, a community member added: “Thanks to the Bambisanani Partnership for supporting our community with water. The school is taking care of our children and we need them to be safe at school. I decided to take part in this project to contribute in saving lives. The school cannot run without water. If there is no water, the school must close. Water tanks are very important as another way to provide water if there is no water from the taps. Thanks to Bambisanani Partnership for thinking of our community.”
David Geldart from the partnership said, “The very essence of the Bambisanani Partnership is about collaboration: working together and learning together. The delivery of this project encapsulates this commitment and philosophy. There is enormous power and potential in effective partnerships – even if some members of the team live 8,500 miles apart! Long may we continue to live, work and learn in partnership.”
Also see the links below for other related stories about the Mnyakanya School Water Project:
Mnyakanya School Water Project moves quickly to make a difference (28/09/2020)
Otley Lions support Bambisanani Partnership in ambitious African Water Project (24/08/2020)
Bambisanani Partnership helps South African children return to school with water supply connection (23/07/2020)
VIDEO: Bambisanani Challenge 2020 Animation (17/07/2020)
Yorkshire to South Africa run, walk or cycle challenge will help save lives (07/07/2020)
The Bambisanani Partnership 2020 Challenge (11/06/2020)
Aid delivered and Rebuilding begins in the Vumanhlamvu community
The Bambisanani Partnership was recently contacted by William Vilakazi, Principal of Vumanhlamvu Primary School informing us that the 21 of his children had been left homeless by wildfires.
The Bambisanani Partnership was recently contacted by William Vilakazi, Principal of Vumanhlamvu Primary School informing us that 21 of his children had been left homeless by wildfires. The school serves one of the poorest rural communities in South Africa. William is no stranger to the partnership and indeed played a significant role in developing it when he was Principal of Mnyakanya School in the same region. A rapid response from the partnership has now delivered all the essential emergency aid required to help rebuild the community. Please see letter below and related photographs from William Vilakazi:
Dear David
The School Management Team and the School Governing Body of Vumanhlamvu Primary School would like to express our sincere appreciation for the donation you have recently made for our school and surrounding community. In addition to the Covid-19 our school community is faced with many challenges in life. The fire was the worst thing added on that situation.
Our learners are now attending school in numbers with new clean uniforms; they also have food in their stomachs. The building material you donated also bought dignity, self-esteem and hope to both the learners and community members. We have no doubt that the performance of our learners will also increase in the classroom.
Your donation made a huge difference in our community. They were desperately in need of it. They will be able to build new houses and rebuild their lives.
Mrs Sibongile Mpungose grandmother of four learners said, “I lost everything that I stored in my rondovel such as food, clothes and other valuable things. I am depending on social grant I received once every month to rebuild a house, buying blankets, food and school uniform was going to be a difficult job for me as a single parent. I thank Bambisanani Partnership for a wonderful job they did to us even though we have never met. May God bless you all”.
Dlamini Nomfundo a grade 6 learner said “I now have self confidence in class. I received a new school uniform, food parcel, blankets and on top of that building material for a home. I will now focus on my studies. Thank you Bambisanani”.
The Nkandla Mayor (Mr Thamsanqa Ntuli) added “It is my first time to see that people abroad from UK to do such wonderful job. You have showed love and support to our people by donating building material and other much needed resources. I thank everyone involved to this project especially Bambisanani trustees and Eshowe Rotary Club”.
Mr Xulu (Local Councillor) said “If you are homeless people don’t take you seriously in the community. Fire has destroyed everything we had worked for years. I thank UK people for their good hearts. We are going to have new proper houses in our area”.
We are very blessed to have you. Thank you again for your generous support and we look forward to working with you again in the near future.
William Vilakazi
Principal
David Geldart, from the partnership added: “Having William on the ground working with the local community and having our good friends from Eshowe Rotary Club to coordinate matters enabled us to get this essential project delivered; we simply could not have done it without them. We could not have done it, and indeed done it so quickly, without our friends and supporters here in the UK either. People showed enormous kindness and generosity with regard to our hastily arranged Auction and with specific donations. Specific funding from Newcastle based company Argon Health and the Rotary Club of Aireborough helped us pay for the majority of the building materials required. Special thanks must also go to the Vumanhlamvu community who will carry all the building work required. I cannot thank everyone concerned enough for making this all happen. Yet again we have seen a tremendous Bambisanani team effort across nations and communities that has truly changed the lives of some people."
Also see related articles:
Mnyakanya School Water Project moves quickly to make a difference
Last month, The Bambisanani Partnership, in collaboration with KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, was able to reinstate the water supply that allowed students back into school after the South African Coronavirus lockdown.
Last month, The Bambisanani Partnership, in collaboration with KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, was able to reinstate the water supply that allowed students back into school after the South African Coronavirus lockdown.
The partnership immediately began work with the school and local community after this for Phase Two of the Water Project to install water storage tanks, rainwater collection and filtration system and water taps together with all the associated plumbing.
Much progress has been made very quickly which is having a positive impact on the lives of students and the wider community.
Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani Coordinator at Mnyakanya said: “The water tanks have arrived and have been fitted. They were filled with water this week which coincided with start of external exams, which was so helpful. It also coincided with an engine failure that pumps water to the local community. They had no running water in their taps but our neighbours could come and get water from our tanks which was a real blessing for the whole community. With water in our new tanks the learners could drink and wash freely; we could also cook food for them. The learners wrote their exams smoothly. There is still some work to complete on the Water Project but having clean water readily available has transformed life at the school. As I have said before this project has already saved lives it is now helping to improve the life chances of our learners who really appreciate it. ”
“This really has been a tremendous team effort as indeed it always is when projects like this are successful.”
David Geldart from the partnership added: “With significant donations from our amazing friends, supporters and partners we were able to move swiftly on the project. Working with the local community we raised almost £5000 from sources within South Africa and the UK. Special thanks must go Otley Lions and the Oxted One World Group who not only provide funding but also very helpful advice that actually helped us expand the project from its original specification to a higher standard. The fund raising organised by Charlotte Wood, from St. Mary’s School by way of the sponsored walk/run/cycle by teachers, students and other volunteers the equivalent distance from Leeds to Mnyakanya is ongoing and remarkable to say the least. Charlotte informs that we are now ‘well into central Africa’ with about out 4000km to go! I must also mention the Mnyakanya community not only for securing part of the funding but also for providing the volunteers to carry out some of the work which reduced the cost of the project significantly. This really has been a tremendous team effort as indeed it always is when projects like this are successful.”
“This project has already saved lives it is now helping to improve the life chances of our learners.”
Also see related articles:
Otley Lions support Bambisanani Partnership in ambitious African Water Project (24/08/2020)
Bambisanani Partnership helps South African children return to school with water supply connection (23/07/2020)
VIDEO: Bambisanani Challenge 2020 Animation (17/07/2020)
Yorkshire to South Africa run, walk or cycle challenge will help save lives (07/07/2020)
The Bambisanani Partnership 2020 Challenge (11/06/2020)
Going, going gone: Bambisanani Partnership Auction raises over £4,000
Just over a week ago the Bambisanani Partnership hastily organised an auction to raise funds for the community of Vumanhlamvu Primary School, in particular the 21 children, who had lost everything in the recent wildfires.
Just over a week ago the Bambisanani Partnership hastily organised an auction to raise funds for the community of Vumanhlamvu Primary School, in particular the 21 children, who had lost everything in the recent wildfires.
The aftermath of the fire
The auction, which included some rare and unique signed items from Sir Geoff Hurst, Sir Trevor Brooking, Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Geoffrey Boycott, David Gower, Bob Willis, Leeds United, Leeds Rhinos and the Kaiser Chiefs raised an amazing £4175!
This funding will enable the partnership to meet the request for urgent help asked for by William Vilakazi the Principal of the school and as outlined by Eshowe Rotary Club. Working with William, the local community and Eshowe Rotary Club the partnership will now be able to provide the school uniforms, blankets, emergency food parcels required. It will also be able to provide the materials to rebuild the homes that were burnt to the ground. All the labour required for the building work will be provided by the local community. With thoughts of these children not just surviving but thriving the fund raising efforts will also enable help the partnership to provide reading books, sports equipment an other educational resources for the children affected and for Vumanhlamvu School.
““I really do not have the words to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for helping us at this time. This community is very poor and some families lost everything they had in the fires. The impact of the Bambisanani support will give the children everything they need: food, clothing and a home; they will be back in school again, learning. All the support will help rebuild this community giving hope and opportunity. Thank you so much to everyone involved, this really will transform the lives of 21 children and their families.””
““People have been so kind and generous supporting the auction and making donations. The events in William’s community clearly touched the hearts of many people and the response has been wonderful. This funding will genuinely helping to change lives and the quality of people’s lives in the remote, rural area Nkandla region of South Africa. I simply cannot thank our supporters and teams on the ground enough for making this happen.””
