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The South African High Commission and British Council honour the Bambisanani Partnership
At a prestigious Reception at The University of Leeds, Tyrone Gunnie from the South African High Commission in London and John Rolfe MBE from The British Council paid tribute to the work of The Bambisanani Partnership on the occasion of its fifteenth anniversary.
At a prestigious Reception at The University of Leeds, Tyrone Gunnie from the South African High Commission in London and John Rolfe MBE from The British Council paid tribute to the work of The Bambisanani Partnership on the occasion of its fifteenth anniversary.
Tyrone Gunnie receiving the Bambisanani Award from David Geldart
John Rolfe MBE
For the past fifteen years the multi-award winning charity has operated in one of the most challenging parts of South Africa using the power of sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership. Founded initially by David Geldart as school partnership between St. Mary’s School, Menston and Mnyakanya School in KwaZulu-Natal, the initiative has grown considerably and now significantly involves The University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University as key members and drivers of the organisation. The charity has gained international acclaim for its pioneering work which is committed to creating learning opportunities for young people in both countries. During that time more than 10,000 young people have engaged in a variety of Bambisanani Partnership programmes and projects which now operate in primary schools, secondary schools and universities in both countries.
David Geldart
At the event, the Chair of the charity, David Geldart, spoke of the ‘very special relationship’ between Leeds and South Africa. In particular, the significant role that the city and its people played in the Anti-Apartheid Movement and the great sporting links personified by the Leeds United legend’s Albert Johanneson and Lucas Radebe. “In his visit to Leeds in 2001, Nelson Mandela acknowledged this special relationship and also pointed to the future with the hope of further collaborations that would create a lasting legacy. Additionally, Nelson Mandela had frequently spoken about the power of sport and education to change the world. All of this stayed with me and five years later in 2006 I had the opportunity to visit South Africa and take the first tentative steps of collaboration in order establish what we would eventually call The Bambisanani Partnership.”
At the Reception, Teachers and Lecturers involved in the programme – Catherine Chattoe, St. Mary’s, Menston, David Farmer representing primary schools of The Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust, Andrew Lockwood, University of Leeds and Dr Chris Rowley, Leeds Trinity University spoke passionately at the event about their absolute commitment to creating ‘two way’ learning opportunities, the various Bambisanani programmes and the impact of this work on their students and institutions.
Former students from St. Mary’s, the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University, Sylvia Cullen, Brogan O’Connor, Charlie Stevenson and Jake Almond, who had previously visited South Africa, all gave moving and powerful accounts of how the experience had had a significant impact on both their lives and on their world view.
St. Mary’s School receiving the British Council International School Award
Speaking on behalf of The British Council John Rolfe MBE said, “The British Council is proud and delighted to work with such an exceptional group of global educators at the Bambisanani Partnership. The work, which engages young people in the UK and in South Africa, is truly outstanding and has created a model for others to follow. The partnership has developed some of the best international education programmes and practice in the world. Today I would like to invite members of this inspirational team to become members of the British Councils Internationalism Alliance in order to share their experience and expertise with other organisations around the world. I would also like to take this opportunity to present St. Mary’s School, where this all began, with the British Council International School Award which recognises fifteen years of exceptional and hugely impactful international work. The whole school commitment to international dimensions of teaching and learning is embedded at the school through its ethos and values. The Bambisanani Partnership with its engagement with primary schools, secondary schools and universities in both countries is absolutely brilliant and just keeps going from strength to strength. Congratulations on fifteen years of exceptional pioneering work that is making a real difference in the world.”
John Rolfe MBE receiving the Bambisanani Award from David Geldart
“The partnership has developed some of the best international education programmes and practice in the world. ”
Tyrone Gunnie
Tyrone Gunnie, First Secretary at The South African High Commission added, “The Bambisanani Partnership brings together a group of people who want to use the power of sport, together with their individual skills, to work in partnership with a rural community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to help the children of this community realise their strengths and talents. However, while the strengths and talents of the children are ignited, the team at Bambisanani underpin the importance of education. This project is so different to most that I have seen and this is why it is so effective. Every project that is implemented is the brainchild of the local community, endorsed by its leaders, and then implemented in partnership between the community and Bambisanani. This project serves, as a model for how to ensure that the dignity of the recipients of the project is not only upheld, but reinforced. It is the reason that year-on-year for 15 years, Bambisanani, and different communities, have celebrated so many achievements, and success stories, most notably, the impact that children from Leeds and Nkandla have on each other's lives. Its genuine commitment to ‘working together, and learning together’ in the spirit of Ubuntu can be seen in everything that it does. Many organisations could learn from this approach. The special relationship and legacy that Nelson Mandela spoke about when in Leeds certainly continues through the outstanding and influential Bambisanani Partnership.”
““The special relationship and legacy that Nelson Mandela spoke about when in Leeds certainly continues through the outstanding and influential Bambisanani Partnership.””
Honoured guests John Rolfe and Tyrone Gunnie were presented with special Bambisanani commemorative trophies in recognition of their outstanding support for the partnership.
Following the Reception, members of the Bambisanani team, with John Rolfe and Tyrone Gunnie had a very productive meeting where potential future collaborations and developments were discussed.
Bambisanani Partnership programmes and projects include:
Leadership through Sport programmes for secondary and primary students
International exchange visits for teachers and students
Art through Sport projects
Creative Writing through Sport projects
Student led Enterprise projects to support the partnership
Training of Community football coaches and referees
Education through Football project (Premier Skills)
High School Bambisanani Award Scheme promoting Leadership, Enterprise and Global Citizenship at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels
University and Vocational College Scholarships
Recognition of Achievement through Bambisanani Awards in both secondary and primary schools
Primary School Sports Festivals
Cycling to Success’ programme which teaches young people how to ride and maintain bikes
Collaborative training of Physical Education teachers and Sport Coaches at university level
Bambisanani International Athletics Challenge
During the past fifteen years:
Over 10,000 young people from both countries have engaged in a variety of Bambisanani projects and programmes
Over 3,000 students have participated Bambisanani Sports Festivals
Over 775 students have gained Bambisanani Leadership Awards
Over 280 UK students have volunteered on Bambisanani programmes in South Africa
Over 270 students have completed the Cycling to Success course
Over 1,200 South African students have been supported into school by the partnership
Over 1,700 students have participated in Bambisanani Reading Festivals
Over 650 students have participated in Art/Creative Writing through Sport projects
55 UK/SA teachers have visited each other’s countries on Exchange Visits
The Vatican’s Sport at the Service of Humanity Foundation celebrates the work of the Bambisanani Partnership
Read the ‘Compassion and Sport, Compassion in Action.’ November 2021 Issue published today
Read the ‘Compassion and Sport, Compassion in Action.’ November 2021 Issue published today
Sport at the Service of Humanity’s WHY is to Change the World using the combined power of Faith and Sport.
Visit the Sport at the Service of Humanity website to find out more.
Bambisanani Quiz 2021
The final day of last term was rounded off with a much welcomed Bambisanani Quiz night.
The final day of last term was rounded off with a much welcomed Bambisanani Quiz night.
Guiseley Cricket Club was the venue for the evening of fun and entertainment which saw Mr Harvey and Mr Keefe once again entertain a packed club house of staff, parents, students and friends as our quiz masters for the evening.
Our former colleagues, Miss Jackson and Mr Hamill returned to defend their title as Bambisanani Quiz Champions, it was also great to be joined by Mr Dobson, Mr Smickersgill, Mrs Pounder, Miss Heslop and Miss Thorpe-Greenwood.
This year’s Bambisanani Quiz Champions were the staff Sixth Form team headed up by Mrs Andrews and Mrs Roberts, they were clear winners scoring a commendable 43 out of 50.
Daniel Sykes collected the student trophy on behalf of the Year 12 Bambisanani 2022 Team. Daniel will be one of 16 students who will be working in South Africa in June next year as well as a Year 13 team who will be visiting South Africa in July 2022.
A massive £726.09 was raised for The Bambisanani Partnership.
Thank you to everyone who supported this event.
““This was a tremendous evening with everyone having a much needed fun night whilst raising a great amount of money for The Bambisanani Partnership.””
Bambisanani Awards presented at Ntolwane Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
There was much excitement at Ntolwane Primary School this week as the annual Bambisanani Awards were presented to three outstanding learners.
There was much excitement at Ntolwane Primary School this week as the annual Bambisanani Awards were presented to three outstanding learners.
From left to right: Ayanda Gcaba Sportswoman of the Year, Mhlonishwa Nzuza Sportsman of the Year, Gugulethu Ntombela Sports Leader of the Year
The awards are sponsored and supported by the John Paul II Foundation for Sport and the recipients recognised this year are:
Sportswomen of the Year: Ayanda Gcaba
Sportsman of the Year: Mhlonishwa Nzuza
Sports Leader of the Year: Gugulethu Ntombela
The outstanding trio were delighted to receive the awards:
Ayanda Gcaba
"I am so pleased to be nominated and elected as Sportswoman of the Year, this will motivate and make me work much harder now so that I always keep myself fit."
Mhlonishwa Nzuza
"Participating in sports makes me feel good. I love sports and I always want to be part of it; sport is in my blood. I hope that my participation in sports and this special award will motivate others as well."
Gugulethu Ntombela
"To be Sports Leader of the Year make me to feel so good as it is about helping others to take part in sports. I feel so excited and it motivates me to do more."
Mr MM Xulu, teacher and Bambisanani Coordinator at Ntolwane Primary School said: “We are pleased to be part of these important awards as they expose our young talent and motivate our learners to participate in sports in a good way. We appreciate the support of the Bambisanani Partnership and the John Paul II Foundation for Sport for helping to inspire our learners in this way.”
David Geldart from the partnership added: “We are honoured to have worked closely with Ntolwane Primary School in the remote, rural Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal for the past I5 years. The school has demonstrated an excellent commitment to the partnership and truly recognises the power of sport to transform lives. Massive congratulations are due to Ayanda, Mhlonishwa and Gugulethu; we will watch their continued development with great interest. Special thanks to Father Vlad at the John Paul II Foundation for Sport and of course to all the educators at Ntolwane for providing such great opportunities for their learners to grow.”
Why not do a sponsored event for The Bambisanani Partnership?
If you are considering doing a sponsored event for a charity over the next twelve months why not do it to support the Bambisanani Partnership?
If you are considering doing a sponsored event for a charity over the next twelve months why not do it to support the Bambisanani Partnership?
We are planning an ambitious programme for 2022 that will use the power of sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one of South Africa’s most challenging areas. During the past 15 years Bambisanani programmes and projects have engaged over 10,000 young people from South Africa and the UK - but we are keen do more with your help.
Significant fundraising will be required if we are to extend our award winning programmes to change lives through sport. So If you are planning on taking part in a running/walking/cycling event or indeed any sporting event we would be more than happy to provide you with a Bambisanani T Shirt to participate in.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact me: d.geldart@bambisananipartnership.org
Many thanks in advance,
David Geldart
Founder/Chair Bambisanani Partnership
Registered Charity 1163461
New Trustee for Bambisanani Partnership
The Bambisanani Partnership is a delighted to announce the appointment of Margaret Hattersley as a new trustee.
The Bambisanani Partnership is a delighted to announce the appointment of Margaret Hattersley as a new trustee.
Miss Margaret Hattersley
Over the last fifteen years the multi-award winning Menston based charity has gained international acclaim for its pioneering work using sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one of South Africa’s most challenging regions.
Following the announcement of the appointment Margaret said. “The opportunity to be a trustee of the Bambisanani Partnership is an absolute privilege for me on a personal and professional level. As the Acting Headteacher of St. Mary’s Menston, I am aware of how special this partnership is in terms of international understanding, collaboration and how it provides a life changing experience for many young people at St. Mary’s, and at Mnyakanya High School in South Africa.
I have worked in the education sector for over twenty-two years, and as a former RE Teacher and Head of RE, the beatitudes and the concept of servant leadership have always been a guiding influence in my life. It is for this reason that the partnership holds such a special place within me and within this school. I have yet to visit South Africa myself, but each year, I am blessed to be able to witness enthusiastic young people embarking on fundraising opportunities and learning about what ‘working hand in hand’ entails. I see their faces, and the faces of our staff members, as they embark on their journey to South Africa together. I am totally inspired by the stories they share on their return and enjoy listening to how their personal encounters, experiences and relationships have helped them to grow as an individual and has had a lasting impression on their lives. I believe that character education is tremendously important and that as educators we are here to support the formation of our students so they flourish, are happy in life and contribute to the common good of society. The Bambisanani Partnership enables human formation to become a lived reality which is to be commended and celebrated. As a former student of St. Mary’s, I am immensely proud to be able to lead this school community and to be able to walk alongside each person, and each family, on their unique life journey – the Bambisanani Partnership is very much at the heart of our school community and part of that journey. It is a great honour for me to join the partnership as a trustee and to be entrusted with the charity’s purpose and future direction. I sincerely thank all those people who have enabled me to be part of such a wonderful partnership.”
St. Mary's students and Mnyakanya students working together to plan a community sports festival
Founder and Chair of the charity, David Geldart said, “With many challenges and opportunities ahead I am delighted that Margaret has joined the team. She is an exceptionally talented and dedicated educator who will add much to our potential to make an even greater educational impact with young people in both the UK and South Africa. The Bambisanani Partnership was founded at St. Mary’s and the school has been instrumental in developing internationally acclaimed programmes that have engaged over 10,000 young people. St. Mary’s has been at the heart of our work and with Margaret involved I sure that this can only go from strength to strength. We look forward to working with her and taking the partnership to the next level.”
Myakanya students and staff visiting St. Mary's
Young Leaders from both countries working together
Two schools - same team
New trustee joins Bambisanani Partnership team [ZULULAND OBSERVER]
Bambisanani Partnership Awards bring hope and inspiration at Mnyakanya School
Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa recently held a special celebration event to present the annual Bambisanani Partnership Awards to seven remarkable students.
Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa recently held a special celebration event to present the annual Bambisanani Partnership Awards to seven remarkable students.
From left to right: Nhloso Mzolo, Samkelisiwe Nlagwaza, Hlakaniphani Ndlovu, Unathi Mbulu, Nhlakanipho Mkhize, Silindile Mzolo, Lindokuhle Nala
Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani Co-ordinator at the school highlighted the importance of the awards, “The Bambisanani Awards continue to bring smiles and hope to the Mnyakanya community. During 2021, Mnyakanya students learnt under very difficult and tense conditions, where sports events and other extracurricular activities had many limitations. The 2021 Bambisanani Awards winners could not believe it when they were informed that the school was arranging a big event in which they would be recognised for being outstanding for what they are doing. These awards are really a great motivation to Mnyakanya students and youth in the community. The awards make the recipients feel famous and honoured. We do not have enough words to say how much we appreciate these awards. On behalf of the school and local community I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this brilliant idea that continues to have such an impact.”
2021 Bambisanani Partnership Award winners are as follows:
Sibonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award: Nhloso Mzolo
Sportswoman of the Year Award: Samkelisiwe Nlagwaza
Laurie McCauley Most Improved Footballer Award: Hlakaniphani Ndlovu
Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award: Unathi Mbulu
Sportsman of the Year: Nhlakanipho Mkhize
John Paul II Foundation for Sport Helping Others Achieve their Potential Award: Silindile Mzolo
John Paul II Foundation for Sport True Spirit of Sport Award: Lindokuhle Nala
The proud winners of the awards were clearly delighted with their success:
Sibonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award Winner, Nhloso Mzolo
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my educators and fellow students for trusting me to be a leader. When I was elected as the chairperson of the Representative Council of Learners, I knew that it said something about my leadership qualities but I never expected any award for my work. To be nominated and receive the “Sibonelo Magwaza Leadership Award has put me in a spotlight. I feel very proud of myself. I feel like everyone at school is respecting me. I do not hesitate that I will be a good leader, even in the future. I would like to thank all who made this happen and pay my respects to Sibonelo.”
Sportswoman of the Year Award Winner, Samkelisiwe Nlagwaza
“I feel very honoured today that I am nominated and acknowledged as a "Sportswoman of the Year" in 2021. This special Bambisanani Award makes me feel confident and motivates me further in my sports activities. I like athletics and am excelling in it. I hope that I will be a well-known athlete in future. Thank you very much for recognising my talent.”
Laurie McCauley Most Improved Footballer Award: Hlakaniphani Ndlovu
“I really don't know what to say! My happiness is more than the words. I really feel as a star in the whole school and in my community. To be recognised as "The Most Improved Footballer" of the year 2021 gives me hope that one day my dream to be a famous soccer player will come true. I like soccer and I am so happy that my talent is recognised through this special award in memory of Laurie McCauley.”
Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award: Unathi Mbulu
“I am very grateful to receive the ‘Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award’ for 2021. This award makes me feel special at school. It makes me dream more about my future in creative writing. I also hope that all my dreams will lead me to be a better person in future. I would like to thank all the Bambisanani Team and teachers for making my talent known. I feel famous!”
Sportsman of the Year: Nhlakanipho Mkhize
“I can't believe that 2021 "Sportsman of the Year Award" comes to me. I am short of words to say thank you to everyone involved. I really like sports and always like to go with a winning attitude. I am happy that this award will make my team and my parents to be proud of me. My team mates will be very motivated. Thank you very much to all the Bambisanani Team.”
John Paul II Foundation for Sport Helping Others Achieve their Potential Award: Silindile Mzolo
“I feel very honoured to be nominated and awarded with John Paul II Foundation for Sport " Helping Others Achieve their Potential Award" This means a lot to me. I was not aware that my work is meaningful to anyone. All I did was to try to help others as part of uplifting their potential. I dream of nothing but to help learners who are struggling with their school work. I expect nothing in return. I don’t help for any compensation. For me it is very painful to see someone not achieving while there was something I could do to assist. Getting this award is opening my eyes and makes me feel proud and encouraged to do more. I wish to pass my massive thanks to the Bambisanani team.”
John Paul II Foundation for Sport True Spirit of Sport Award: Lindokuhle Nala
“I am only in Grade 8 i.e my first year at Mnyakanya.
I was very surprised to be nominated and awarded with the ‘True Spirit of Sport Award’. I am very happy that my coach and my teachers have realised my talent so quickly. This award is giving me hope for a brighter future in sports. I am highly motivated to do my very best.”
David Geldart from the partnership was full of praise for the award winners:
“Massive congratulations are due to these magnificent seven students who have achieved so much in the most difficult of circumstances of 2021. They are wonderful role models to others I know that they all have the ability and determination to go further; we will watch with interest! At this time, we especially remember Laurie and Sibonelo and their very special legacy awards that continue to inspire and motivate; we know how important these awards are to their families who take great interest in hearing about the award winners every year. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the educators at Mnyakanya who have recognised and nurtured the talent outlined above. Special thanks also to Father Vlad and the John Paul II Foundation for Sport for helping us establish these awards. The importance of recognising and rewarding such achievements cannot be overstated. These very special awards continue to shine a light on exceptional young people at Mnyakanya and long may that continue!”
The Bambisanani Awards Ceremony at Mnyakana High School
Silindile Mzolo wearing a St. Mary’s scarf to represent St. Mary’s at the event
Bambisanani supporter makes sporting history
Professional track and road racing cyclist Lizzie Deignan has recently made sporting history by becoming the first winner of the Paris – Roubaix Femmes.
Professional track and road racing cyclist Lizzie Deignan has recently made sporting history by becoming the first winner of the Paris – Roubaix Femmes.
Regarded as one of the toughest cycling events in the world, the men’s event has been going since 1896. This year saw the worlds greatest female cyclists tackle the 72-mile course with its famed gruelling cobbled sections for the first time; a major breakthrough for women’s cycling!
The 2015 World Champion added this momentous win to recent victories in the Tour of Flanders and the Liège – Bastagne – Liège race thus making her the first women to win the ‘Triple Crown’ of all women’s ‘Monument’ classics.
Following her sensational breakaway victory Lizzie said, “All those women who raced for passion rather than the opportunity to race as professionals, I felt the weight of their sacrifice over the years. It’s because of those women we are where we are today. I just felt the strength of the history of women’s cycling behind me. Paris - Roubaix is one of the most iconic races – men have been doing things called ‘Monuments’ (the five biggest one-day races) and women’s cycling hasn’t had those. But slowly we are building that into our calendar, and this race is known as the ‘hell of the north’, which is stereotypically something that is not associated with women in cycling, and that has been our barrier. To smash through that barrier, we have shown that women are more than capable of riding on cobbles. We’re making history. It’s no exaggeration to say that we’re the first women to prove it was possible, but that does not mean that women before were not capable of it.”
Lizzie Deignan. Photo courtesy of JoJo Harper. All Rights reserved.
Congratulations to Lizzie who is a most remarkable elite athlete, role model and pioneer. As the Bambisanani Partnership looks to significantly extend its cycling programme in rural KwaZulu-Natal her achievements and support will inspire and motivate all involved to take on challenges that have not been taken on before.
Bambisanani ‘Cycling for Success’ Programme
Bambisanani Quiz Night!
Thursday 21 October 2021 7.30pm. Guiseley Cricket Club
Thursday 21 October 2021 7.30pm
Guiseley Cricket Club
Tickets £8, this includes a night of entertainment and pie and peas.
Tickets available from Mrs Chattoe at St. Mary’s Menston. This is a charity event, raising money for The Bambisanani Partnership.
Remembering a Bambisanani stalwart: The Martin Green Memorial Golf Tournament in aid of Cancer Research UK
Martin Green played a most significant role in developing the Bambisanani Partnership. His untimely death in 2014 devastated all who had been privileged to know this remarkable man.
Martin Green played a most significant role in developing the Bambisanani Partnership. His untimely death in 2014 devastated all who had been privileged to know this remarkable man.
We remember Martin in so many ways including through the annual Martin Green Memorial Golf Tournament which recently raised £960 for Cancer Research UK. Massive thanks are due to all those that helped organise and support the day particularly Alex Smickersgill, Catherine Chattoe, Michelle Hefferon, Fred Heaton, Danny Halligan, Mike Gosling and of course the wonderful Green family. Special thanks to St. Marys School and East Morton Golf Club who always go the extra mile to ensure that the day is a tremendous success and celebration.
The winner of the 2021 Martin Green Memorial Golf Trophy was Dean Sugden with other prizes going to Peter Hatton, Adam Martell, Jolie Xue, Giles Wilkes and Niall Cox. Congratulations to all prize winners and participants.
We look forward to another great Golf Day in 2022 where we hope to take our fundraising total for Cancer Research UK through this event to over £10,000
Martin Green coaching Rugby at Mnyakanya High School, July 2012