Hundreds of local youth gathered for the annual Scouts education, environmental, and vocational awareness day at Altrec Sports Centre in Alexandra on July 18.

Organised by the Guardian Angel Wildlife and Marine Trust (GAWMT) alongside several government and law enforcement partners, the event was held on Mandela Day to provide youth with concrete alternatives to crime and substance abuse.

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It relied on a strong showing from the South African National Defence Force, with an exhibition of military vehicles and sophisticated weaponry, capped off by a South African Army march and precision drill display.

Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Hawks, and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) were also on-site to engage with the children and demonstrate career paths within law enforcement.

GAWMT chairman, Colonel Raymond Kramer, explained that the presence of these uniformed services was intentional, aiming to address a severe shortage of positive mentorship in the area.

“Kids today lack that. They lack role models, and that is why we have the military, SAPS, Hawks, JMPD,“ Kramer said, adding that 80% of success boils down to character and discipline.

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Kramer read a formal message of support from Deputy President Paul Mashatile. In the statement, Mashatile commended GAWMT, the City of Johannesburg, and the SANDF for their collaborative work.

“I would like to convey a special message of encouragement to the visible ethics that your organisation is making in educating our youth, and helping them build stronger and safer communities in conjunction with the City of Johannesburg, SANDF, and other stakeholders,” the statement read.

Mashatile said Nelson Mandela was a steadfast advocate for education, believing it to be one of the most powerful tools for societal transformation.

“Mandela once said that it is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, and the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, and that the child of a farm worker can become the president of a nation.”

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The City of Johannesburg Council Speaker, Margaret Arnolds, commended the initiative for successfully bringing together state departments, military veterans, and civil society groups.

Arnolds stated that effective nation-building requires cross-sector partnerships.

“Today’s programme is a reminder that nation building is most effective when you walk together across sectors united by a common cause. Alone, we cannot do it as government,“ Arnolds stated.

She said that the event served as a practical application of Mandela’s legacy, focusing directly on youth empowerment to break generational cycles of crime and poverty within Alexandra.

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