Kwa-Thema legends honoured at Siyajula high tea
Siyajula Rise and Shine Kwa-Thema hosts inspiring event to honour local heroes, raise funds for gala dinner, and champion heritage preservation.
Kwa-Thema – Siyajula Rise and Shine Kwa-Thema recently hosted a successful High Tea event at Laban Motlhabi Comprehensive School.
The gathering honoured two respected community figures, Tebogo Tsipi and Joseph Motsoari, while also raising funds for an upcoming gala dinner that will celebrate local legends.
The event received generous support from Pick n Pay, Tsipi Noto and Thembi Mahlangu, whose contributions helped make the day memorable. Attendees from all walks of life came together in a strong display of community spirit.
Guest speakers Dr Stanly Leketi and Presh Motloung both emphasised the importance of embracing Kwa-Thema’s rich history and called for an end to the vandalism of historic infrastructure.
“The highlight for me was when Motloung stressed the need to preserve Kwa-Thema’s heritage and ensure that the youth understands and appreciates the township’s legacy,” said Siyajula Rise member Nthabiseng Motshesane.
Entertainment was provided by talented performers Andile Mthembu, also known as Ekamashenge, and Lethabo Letsiane from Ekurhuleni TVET Kwa-Thema Campus, who both delivered powerful poetry. The event also featured a lively performance by the Distruction Boys, adding vibrancy to the day.
Siyajula Rise and Shine Kwa-Thema operates with a clear five-year strategic plan, reflecting its commitment to honouring the legacy of more than 60 local legends, both living and deceased, who have shaped the township’s identity.
“The organisation’s key objectives include promoting self-understanding among Kwa-Thema residents to foster a stronger sense of identity and community.
“Siyajula aims to intellectually empower children, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to become active, informed citizens.
“It is dedicated to deepening historical insight by exploring Kwa-Thema’s development comprehensively,” added Motshesane.
One major project in the pipeline is the construction of a monument at Ndaba Tree to honour the community’s heritage and safeguard its legacy for future generations.
The organisation also plans to elevate Ndaba Tree into a prominent historical landmark, boosting tourism and educational opportunities.
In addition, Siyajula is compiling a book chronicling the biographies of 100 Kwa-Thema heroes and heroines, past and present, to make their inspiring stories widely accessible.
The organisation also seeks to establish a heritage home to house important artefacts, documents and personal belongings of Kwa-Thema’s heroes, creating a hub for both education and tourism.
Through these initiatives, Siyajula Rise and Shine Kwa-Thema is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to preserving the township’s rich heritage, inspiring future generations and ensuring that Kwa-Thema’s legacy endures.
