NEWS
My Journey, Bambisanani and me: Freedom Nduduzo Khanyile
My name is Freedom Nduduzo Khanyile, I was born and bred in Nkandla reserve, KZN, South Africa. I am going to talk about how my life was changed by the Bambisanani Partnership organization at my former school, Mnyakanya High.
My name is Freedom Nduduzo Khanyile, I was born and bred in Nkandla reserve, KZN, South Africa. I am going to talk about how my life was changed by the Bambisanani Partnership organization at my former school, Mnyakanya High.
I transferred to Mnyakanya High School for my grade 9 in 2007; I believe the whole Bambisanani project had begun a year before. I loved sport and I was very fortunate to be selected for the Bambisanani Young Leaders programme.
When the UK Sports Leaders and their teachers visited our school, I could feel that the mood was very different. There was an excitement; the team were so lively and passionate about incorporating sport into the ethos of education. I was really impressed and needed little convincing of the importance of the programme. Little did I know then how much this experience would influence and change my life.
I really enjoyed the approach of challenging the status quo of the type of sports that were being played in my village which are your normal everyday sports like Netball and Soccer. There was little variety but that was all about to change. I participated in soccer but through the Bambisanani Partnership I got the opportunity to learn how to play volleyball which was a completely new challenge me. A volleyball team was established at the school and remarkably we won the regional schools competition. From this we went on to represent the school in the Provincial Championships. This was amazing because a year previously none of really knew what volleyball was! There was a spark within me - the way that we embraced the sport and became victorious gave me an insight into what is possible when you embrace new things and make them yours.
The following year was even double what 2007 was for me in terms of the whole experience of being a young leader. I was challenged to be a good example and not only that but to lead by example as well. This was the core message of the Bambisanani Partnership young leaders’ course. As young leaders at the school we facilitated a range of sporting opportunities for others.
In 2008 we were informed by the Principal that there could be a group of learners who would be going to the UK and that this opportunity was going to be awarded to learners who had done well in the Bambisanani Partnership Young leaders programme, as I am writing this story you can guess I was picked to be part of the first group to visit to the United Kingdom. When they gave us letters to get consent from our parents, I couldn’t believe what my eyes were seeing and what my ears were hearing. I was going to England; first in the family, I was so excited. For months leading up to the trip we had to get our passports and visas sorted. This was a big challenge for us which entailed a lot of road trips from the classroom but we did it!
July 2009 came, and the visit was prepared. It was my first time on an aeroplane, when we connected to Johannesburg from Durban international airport. I was sceptical at first but then I just relaxed because I was not going back. Nothing could have prepared me for the 11-hour trip from Johannesburg to London, Heathrow. When we landed the environment was refreshing, everything was different, signs everywhere, I felt like I visiting another planet. I had never been on a train in my own country however I had the experience of going on the London Underground; my first train ride. Fast forward we arrived in Leeds, and the scenery was amazing. The people were really welcoming. Barely off the train our hosts had arranged for us to be special guests at a Rugby match – Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls. It was a big game and we got a special mention and were introduced to the spectators. The game started at 8pm and finished around 10pm and the sun was still in the sky. We were shocked and amazed at the same time; it was wonderful.
We visited St. Mary’s School and the welcome overflowed with joy; they really had been waiting for us. We had the opportunity to build new relationships, reunite with the team (our friends) that had been in South Africa before.
The culture shift and the way of living may be different from continent to continent but the culture of sports, arts and recreation have a universal language. Through these activities we learned so much and developed great friendships.
We were very excited everyday like pre-schoolers because deep down we knew the experience was a chance of a lifetime which we have grown to cherish and look back on. We had a lot of fun activities in class and outside on the sports field where we jelled in with the St. Mary’s learners and participated together as a collective.
The overall visit was an amazing experience and the welcome we had been given was beyond our expectations and that will always be embedded in our hearts and minds. When we returned home, we were celebrities to say the least and we had many beautiful stories to share with other learners and members of the community.
Quite unbelievably, within weeks of returning home I was nominated by the Bambisanani Partnership and my school as an ‘Outstanding Young Leader’ to represent South Africa in a leadership/volunteer role at the Youth Sport Trust UK Youth Games in Cardiff, Wales. A few weeks later my mother received a call from the Principal to say that her child would be going to the UK again but this time alone. At first my mother was concerned about the fact that no one from the school or the Bambisanani Partnership team would accompany me. I convinced her that this invitation was a great honour and an opportunity not be missed; she eventually gave me her blessings and she even came to the airport to see me off.
The event brought together young leaders from around the world and young athletes from all parts of the UK. The training and preparation were very professional and thorough so that we all knew our roles as volunteers to ensure that the UK School Games were a great success. This was just like back home during our Bambisanani Partnership Sports Leadership training but on a much bigger scale and in a wonderful stadium. I had so much fun. We made friends from all over the world, Brazil, Mozambique the list is endless and everyone was very excited to be there. I even met up with two friends from St. Mary’s School who were also at the Games. For most of the young leaders this was their first time in another country but there was little sense of ‘imposter syndrome’ but rather a great coming together of brothers and sisters from all over the world who met and greeted each other with smiles and acceptance. The Games were a wonderful success on so many levels. The competition was great and the sportsmanship even greater. I had had the good fortune of a very special experience that reinforced to me, yet again, that ‘there is so much more out there’.
One thing certainly leads to another and just before the Easter holidays in 2010, I was selected to represent my school and be one of the key-note speakers on an event that was hosted by the Rural Rigid initiative that looked to acknowledge young people from our rural area. I prepared hard and was very excited to speak in front of hundreds of students and local villagers alike. What I also learned was that the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma would also be in the audience! My speech centred around the importance of bringing technology to the forefront of the classroom for our rural schools. I look to become a public speaker one day, and be able to touch and impact the lives of others, sharing some of my experiences through my journey whilst being a positive contributor for my community in the world at large. That day sparked this passion in me because even though change may not be instant our words can build bridges where they were not feasible to be built before. Some years later the Bambisanani Partnership and Rotary International would provide our school with the internet and computers that I talked about in my speech.
The Matric year (my final year at school) was hard, but the sacrifice was all worth it and when the exams came around, I was prepared. I was successful in the exams and gained a place at Durban University of Technology. Regrettably, few young people from my community get this opportunity so I was determined to make the most of it.
The Bambisanani Partnership really did give me a head start into this view of being of service to others. Because of the experience, skills and confidence gained through the partnership I found that I was able to converse with people that were different from me in terms background, education or upbringing. As a result of this I was able to gain a much more considerate perspective as to how their views, and opinions may have been different from mine without taking any offence from it. The Bambisanani Partnership really did instil some values in me such as a respect for others. I learned that ‘differences’ don’t necessarily mean that we are opponents or opposites of each other, but rather they create a narrative that we can work on while looking to improve on them with clearer understanding and strengthening our common interests.
I became proactive in creating conversations that would bring about a positive impact, an example of this would be the time I and a few students formed a Peer-to-Peer study group at the university called ‘DotKom’ which assisted first years with computer literature classes outside of their normal schedules (extra classes). This brought about the attention of our IT Department who as a result of our group’s work developed a system to fast-track any student who like myself did not have a vast Computer Literacy background.
Such initiatives were really necessary because over and above the change in context of how a Matric student learns and how a university student learns - some students (especially from rural areas) had never seen a computer system before and setting up a study society really did make a positive impact in their lives and resulted in a more engaged academic year which saw the majority of us progress efficiently with greater understanding to second year and beyond.
Three years on I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology (Software Engineering) and later gained employment in Johannesburg in the IT industry developing software.
I am on a personal mission to use all the knowledge that I have acquired over the years through my profession as a Full-Stack Software developer in the information technology space to support others acquire basic IT skills. Many people, particularly in rural communities like where I grew up, do not have such skills that are so essential now in a digital age. I am very keen to help address this issue and am currently initiating discussions with various media platforms and community groups to take my ideas forward.
My ambition is to one day run my own software development company. This will include but not limited to educating, process improving and development of simple websites, reporting systems and dashboards. There is some way to go and the moment I feel that a business mentor from the sector could help propel me to the next level. I will certainly work hard and be proactive in order to achieve my goals.
In closing I would like to say that the Bambisanani Partnership has had a massive impact on my life and view of the world. I have an ambition to run my own company and also to support and educate others. There is a big world out there and I wish to play my part in it. In the future I would like to be involved in Bambisanani initiatives where I can help and encourage rural children just like me. Long live the Bambisanani Partnership, long live!
From South Africa to Brussels: how the Bambisanani Partnership helped me reach the role of UK Young Ambassador
Sylvia Cullen
Sylvia Cullen
My involvement with the Bambisanani Partnership started in my first year St. Mary’s, Menston when I was inspired by the school’s amazing work in South Africa. This was reinforced by listening to students who had actually been out to South Africa volunteering on the various Bambisanani programmes. Early on in my school career I had the opportunity to get involved in ‘Bambisanani Enterprises’ a student led group that raised funds for the charity. The partnership was a constant throughout my time at St. Mary’s and in the Sixth Form I had the fantastic opportunity to visit South Africa as part of the volunteer team. I have stayed in contact ever since; its influence on my life and on my world view has been quite remarkable.
In October of last year, during my Freshers week at University, I was fortunate enough to be elected a UK Young Ambassador and Britain’s official delegate to the European Youth Forum. The Youth Forum is the meeting place of delegates from all of the Youth Councils across Europe and I get the privilege of voting on behalf of the British Youth Council. Due to it being an independent body and not affiliated with the EU, our place remains secure and hopefully I will be able to spend the rest of my three year term travelling and working in wonderful European cities, rather than visiting them virtually on Zoom!
I have long been interested in Politics and whilst in the Sixth Form I was elected to represent Leeds as a member of the UK Youth Parliament Westminster. During my two year term I spoke in numerous debates on various topics. It was a great honour to be asked to give a presentation about the Bambisanani Partnership to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee where I presented the Chair with commemorative book about the charity’s work. It has always been clear to me that the work of the partnership is about so much more than the two week visit to South Africa, wonderful though it may be, and during the application process for the UK Young Ambassador role, I realised just how much it has enriched my own life and opportunities.
The leadership skills that you are taught in the lead up to the visit and then develop whilst you are there are timeless and transferable. I have used one amusing example of this in several interview situations. Very few people can give the answer “I had to adapt my sports coaching to work around the cows” when asked for an example of a time that they showed flexibility and leadership! The opportunity to speak publicly about the charity, both within school and out, is fantastic for confidence and public speaking skills, something that I was very grateful for when I was given the chance to speak at the dispatch box in the Houses of Parliament. Most of all, the underlying value that we are strongest when we work together, as seen with the slogan of the Bambisanani Partnership of ‘Working together, Learning together’, is something that I believe to be incredibly special, in our current times more than ever. The Bambisanani Partnership taught me the value of working cohesively and now, as I find myself debating policy positions with delegates from other countries and feeling ever so slightly (!) out of my depth, I realise how lucky I was to get to work with a charity that set me up with so many skills for life.
““Sylvia is a most impressive young women. Her commitment to the partnership started early and has been exceptional. I, like the rest of the Bambisanani team, am absolutely delighted with her achievements but not at all surprised by them. Sylvia is genuinely concerned about social justice and is prepared to take action to make the world a better place. She is an outstanding leader, campaigner and advocate with the ability to motivate and inspire others. Her vision, energy and humanity are an asset to any team and we are delighted that she is still involved with the partnership through our Alumni Group. I am not sure where all this will take her (Education, Law, Politics?) but what I do know is that Sylvia is destined to make a real difference whatever she decides to do in the future.”
David Geldart, Founder and Chair, Bambisanani Partnership””
International Cycling Champion is inspired by Bambisanani Cycling to Success programme
Our widely acclaimed cycling programme in South Africa, Cycling to Success, has recently featured as a special report in the Association of Physical Education’s Journal Physical Education Matters as well as in a special feature on BBC Radio.
Our widely acclaimed cycling programme in South Africa, Cycling to Success, has recently featured as a special report in the Association of Physical Education’s Journal Physical Education Matters as well as in a special feature on BBC Radio.
Lizzie Deignan (née Armistead), professional world champion track and road racing cyclist, has recently praised our cycling programme in South Africa and has offered her support in the future:
“I am inspired and excited to see the work being done by ‘Cycling to Success’. In my case success is measured in medals and titles but in reality the most simple and brilliant success that the bicycle can give its rider is the victory of freedom. I am delighted that the opportunity to achieve freedom is being donated by the work of ‘Cycling to Success’. It is such a valuable and effective way to broaden horizons.”
This programme, which has been described as ‘transformational’ by local community members is preparing to expand its provision of bikes, spare parts and tools in the development of a ‘ Cycling Hub’ at Mnyakanya School as well extend the teaching of cycling and bike maintenance in the area and potentially also in other communities. Having the support of a role model like Lizzie is a massive boost for our work which will motivate and inspire young people, especially girls and women, to enjoy ‘the freedom’ of cycling and all that that brings.
Cycling for Success: Mnyakanya High School Student working with University of Leeds student, 2019
New links established with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation and KwaZulu-Natal Cycling is set to offer further possibilities for exciting collaborative work and partnerships. The outstanding work of Andy Lockwood and Suzzi Garnett from the University of Leeds and Mrs PK Zondi, our Bambisanani Coordinator at Mnyakanya School, continues to change lives through the power of cycling and long may that continue.
Cycling to Success in South Africa Article AfPE March 2021 (PDF)
Lizzie Deignan photos courtesy of JoJo Harper. © All Rights reserved.
Memorial Golf Tournament for Bambisanani hero to raise money for Cancer Research
The Martin Green Memorial Trophy is based on a mixed 18 hole Stableford format with awards for the top three places. Other trophies will be presented for: Best Gross score, Longest Drive, Straightest Drive, Nearest the Pin and for a Putting competition
Places are strictly limited and will be offered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. For further information or to book a place please contact Alex Smickersgill, Email: a.smickersgill@gmail.com Mobile: 07801446564
The Martin Green Memorial Trophy is based on a mixed 18 hole Stableford format with awards for the top three places. Other trophies will be presented for: Best Gross score, Longest Drive, Straightest Drive, Nearest the Pin and for a Putting competition
Places are strictly limited and will be offered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. For further information or to book a place please contact Alex Smickersgill, Email: a.smickersgill@gmail.com Mobile: 07801446564
Poster (PDF)
Bambisanani International Athletics Challenge Pilot Programme Begins
The Bambisanani International Athletics Challenge pilot programme is now well underway linking primary schools in the UK and South Africa.
Over 150 children aged 9/10 from Vumanhlamvu School in Nkandla, John Wesley School in Eshowe, St. Mary’s, Horsforth and St. Josephs, Pudsey are currently participating in a range of running, jumping and throwing challenges that will allow them to compete ‘against themselves’, improving personal performance over time, as well as also competing against children in their school and children in all the other schools involved in both countries.
Mr William Vilakazi, Principal of Vumanhlamvu Primary School said: “This is the first time that my learners have participated in athletics which has been made possible by the equipment and programme provided by the Bambisanani Partnership. They are loving these fun challenges and are enjoying setting their own targets as well as competing against others. They are very excited about linking with schools in Leeds and have liked the videos from St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s. We have already seen great progress in some personal performances which is improving the confidence of learners; who knows we may even discover a champion!”
Many thanks indeed to William, Alan Stuart, Barbara Pounder, David Farmer and Cath Chattoe for driving this exciting development forward. I look forward to being able to bring you the full results and news of a variety of related awards when we complete the programme in June. We have already had enquiries from other schools who are interested in participating in next year’s challenge, not only from South Africa and the UK but also from other countries as well!
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2021
April 6 2021 is the United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which recognises the power of sport in promoting peace and erasing cultural barriers worldwide.
April 6 2021 is the United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which recognises the power of sport in promoting peace and erasing cultural barriers worldwide.
Leeds Trinity University South Africa Visit 2019
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2021 is an opportunity to recognise the role that sport plays in communities, in individuals’ lives, in building resilience and in the recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic.
Sport can cross boundaries, defy stereotypes, improve our physical and emotional health, and inspire hope across nations, but we will only be able to get back to this, if we recover better and help end the pandemic by helping ensure everyone is protected from COVID-19.
Let’s level the playing field and recover better. #OnlyTogether will we play again.
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace [UN.ORG]
““Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.””
Happy St. Patrick’s Day 2021 from all at the Bambisanani Partnership 2021
May the strength of God pilot us,
May the wisdom of God instruct us,
May the hand of God protect us,
May the Salvation, O Lord, be always ours,
this day and for evermore,
Amen.
– St. Patrick
May the strength
of God pilot us,
May the wisdom
of God instruct us,
May the hand
of God protect us,
May the Salvation,
O Lord, be always ours,
this day and for evermore,
Amen.
–St. Patrick
VIDEO: Exam success at Mnyakanya School
There were joyous scenes this week at Mnyakanya High School when students and staff celebrated some quite remarkable Grade 12 Matric examination results.
There were joyous scenes this week at Mnyakanya High School when students and staff celebrated some quite remarkable Grade 12 Matric examination results.
The national Matric exam is based on students having to gain passes across a wide range of individual subjects. Of 126 students, 91 (72%) passed with 49 obtaining the higher ‘Bachelor Pass’ which is the entry requirement for university. 27 students achieved the ‘Diploma Pass’ which is the entry requirement for Technical Colleges and 16 students gained the ‘Higher Certificate’ which can give them access to Vocational Colleges.
Exam success at Mnyakanya School
Life is challenging enough at the best of times at Mnyakanya School which serves one of the most deprived areas in South Africa. This last year has been particularly difficult. School closures due to Covid-19 as well as major issues with both water and electricity supply meant that teachers had to work exceptionally hard in order to complete courses and prepare examination classes. Teachers at the school provided additional weekend and evening classes. Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani co-ordinator at the school, reported some classes going on until 3am in the morning! This is even more remarkable when you consider that for many of these students getting to school involves a two hour walk.
Mrs Zondi and the Principal, Mr Ngubane praised the contribution of the Bambisanani Partnership to these results notably through the ‘Water Project’ which brought clean water to the school (allowing it to reopen) and through the Computer Suite which has been a significant aid to teaching and learning.
Exam success at Mnyakanya School
David Geldart from the partnership said: “Massive congratulations to all the students and teachers at Mnyakanya on these wonderful results. Their hard work, dedication and commitment is both amazing and inspirational; the success that they have achieved has not come easily and is most thoroughly deserved. We know that this is another challenge but we sincerely hope that as many students as possible will be able to pursue their education further; they deserve that opportunity. Mr Ngubane aims for the school to be ‘competing with the very highest performing schools in South Africa’ and we wish him and his team all the very best in their mission to provide their young people with the education they deserve.”
““Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.””
Vumanhlamvu: Rising from the Ashes
A few months ago terrible wildfires destroyed the ten homes of 21 Vumanhlamvu Primary School children which resulted in the Bambisanani Partnership hastily arranging an auction of sporting memorabilia that raised the necessary funds to help out.
A few months ago terrible wildfires destroyed the ten homes of 21 Vumanhlamvu Primary School children which resulted in the Bambisanani Partnership hastily arranging an auction of sporting memorabilia that raised the necessary funds to help out.
Before Christmas we reported that rebuilding work had started by the families and local community members using the building materials that we were able to supply. William Vilakazi, Principal of Vumanhlamvu School, now informs us that all the building is complete and that the families have returned to their new homes. The additional learning resources that the partnership provided for the school are all in place and are already having an impact.
Mrs Mpungose from the local community said: ''Fire destroyed my two rondavels last year full of all my clothes and those of my four grandchildren. We were sleeping in a temporary shack the past few months. I am very happy that I am now the owner of a strong proper house. My grandchildren had nothing to attend school with; they are now happily attending school with new uniforms. As a single grandmother depending on a social grant to survive to rebuild a house was very difficult for me. I would like to thank all the people from UK who contributed to this housing project for their kindness and humanity. God bless you all. Thank you Bambisanani.”
Mrs Linda added: ''It was a blessing to have Mr Vilakazi in our school - through his friendship with UK people our community benefitted a lot. My husband passed away 15 years ago, we could not afford to build a brick house. Fire ruined our mud rondavels and all I owned. I live with my three grandchildren, it is difficult to raise them and put food on the table. I am so out of words to express how I feel for what the Principal and the Bambisanani Partnership have done for me and other members of community who were involved in the disastrous damage caused by fire to our homes. Our children are now able to go to school in a full uniform coming from a shelter well built with material from your project not forgetting to mention the food that you provided when we were helpless and in need. We are so grateful that you extended your hand to help others, May God bless you all. ''
Members of William’s staff are clearly delighted with new resources that our fund raising was able to provide:
“ “We would like to pass our sincere gratitude to the Bambisanani Partnership for sponsoring our school and for assisting our Learners with learning materials. For us teaching will be much easier with concrete materials. We would like to say ‘Big Up Bambisanani, Big Up’.””
““I would like to thank Bambisanani for assisting our learners with sports and learning materials that they are enjoying both in class and outside of class.”
”
““We wish to express our sincere gratitude for the support of learning and sports equipment we received. This will assist us a great deal towards achieving our vision for the school. We shall now achieve our objectives sooner than expected.””
““We would like thank Bambisanani for your generous donation. We are thrilled to have your support. A healthy mind lives in a healthy body and through your donation we have been able to accomplish the goal of engaging our learners in sports activities and will continue using materials throughout the years.””
It is difficult to believe that for around £5,000 we were able to provide all the building materials for the new homes, emergency food and blankets, replacement clothes and school uniforms plus the sports equipment and other educational resources. Such is the value of being able to work quickly and directly with members of the local community. This project has been a tremendous success at every level and our thanks must go to the local community building volunteers, William and his staff at Vumanhlamvu Primary School, Nick Phillips and Graham Chennells from Eshowe Rotary Club (who provide amazing support for most of our projects) and of course our wonderful sponsors and supporters. It’s always a great team effort when these things go well.
William also reports that his school, situated in one of the country’s poorest regions, is very much ‘on the up’ with increased enrolment in January from 540 to 582. Long may this continue. As Educator, Miss Kganyago might just say: “Big Up Vumanhlamvu, Big Up!"
Menston based charity helps community rise from the ashes [BRADFORD TELEGRAPH & ARGUS]
Also see related Vumanhlamvu stories:
Jordan Sinnott honoured in South Africa (17/12/2020)
Christmas Message from the Vumanhlamvu community (24/12/2020)
Aid delivered and Rebuilding begins in the Vumanhlamvu community (03/10/2020)
Going, going gone: Bambisanani Partnership Auction raises over £4,000 (15/09/2020)
Auction to support children who have lost everything in South African fire disaster (07/09/2020)
Matthew Lewis becomes Patron
Harry Potter star and past St. Mary’s student, Matthew Lewis, becomes Patron of the Bambisanani Partnership.
Harry Potter star and past St. Mary’s student, Matthew Lewis, becomes Patron of the Bambisanani Partnership.
Matthew Lewis, who starred as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter film series is to become the Patron of the multi-award winning Bambisanani Partnership charity which has gained international acclaim for its pioneering work in rural South Africa using sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership. The charity began its life fourteen years ago at Matthew’s former school, St. Mary’s School, Menston and now involves the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University in delivering a range of projects and programmes in collaboration with South African partners
David Geldart, Chair and Founder of the Partnership said: “Matthew became involved in Bambisanani Partnership activities when he was at school and despite his busy acting schedule, he has remained in contact ever since, supporting us in a variety of ways. Regardless of his fame and celebrity, Matthew remains a very modest, unassuming and well-grounded young man who wants to make a difference in the world. He really understands what the charity is about and the challenges that we face in South Africa; it is absolutely fantastic to have him involved in this formal capacity as our Patron.”
Matthew added: “It’s a real honour for me to become the Patron for the Bambisanani Partnership. Having attended St. Mary’s School, I got to see first-hand the excellent work the partnership was doing in improving lives, not only in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa but also here in the UK. It truly is a partnership where everybody involved gains and has their lives enriched. To quote The Beatles, ‘the love you take is equal to the love you make’ and I believe the Bambisanani Partnership is a perfect example of that. I’ve watched David Geldart and his team pour so much passion into this project and it go from strength to strength. I now feel very lucky, that more than a decade out of school, I am able to give something back and get involved myself. Not to mention that South Africa has been “home” for me a couple of times throughout my career and I have some of the fondest memories of my life there - I look forward very much to working with the partnership for years to come.”
Following the Harry Potter series, Matthew has since gone on to appear in films including The Rise and Me Before You. He can currently be seen as the lead opposite Rose Matafeo in newly released romcom produced by Taika Waititi’s production company Baby, Done. Television credits include award winning BBC drama Ripper Street, The Syndicate, Bluestone 42 and BAFTA award winning drama Happy Valley. He recently had a stand out role in Kay Mellor’s new series for ITV Girlfriends and can currently be seen starring in Channel 5’s new flagship drama All Creatures Great and Small, which has also had great international success on PBS Masterpiece. Matthew’s stage credits include Verdict (Bill Kenwright Ltd) and Our Boys (Duchess) and Unfaithful (Found111).
Over the past fourteen years, the Bambisanani Partnership has involved more than 10,000 students from South Africa and the UK. 280 students from St. Mary’s School, The University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity have volunteered in South Africa, delivering a variety of programmes and projects. 775 South African students have gained the Bambisanani Leadership Award and over 3,000 South African students have participated in Bambisanani Sports Festivals. 280 South African students have completed the partnerships ‘Cycling to Success’ programme. With more ambitious plans for the future the partnership is clearly delighted to have Matthew on the team.
Harry Potter star to become charity patron [ILKLEY GAZETTE]
Matthew Lewis named Bambisanani Partnership patron [THE MEDIA EYE]
Harry Potter star new patron of UK-SA partnership [ZULULAND OBSERVER]
Harry Potter star to be patron of Bambisanani Partnership [THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSE]
Matthew Lewis Becomes Patron of Bambisanani Partnership Charity [MUGGLE.NET]