15-year-old Awande Cebekhulu of Drakensberg Secondary School (DSS) received a warm welcome from uThukela District leadership at Ladysmith Police Station following his outstanding achievement at the KwaZulu-Natal Junior Provincial Commissioner provincial finals.

Cebekhulu represented the uThukela District at the finals held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville Campus, where he was crowned the Junior Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal.

Impressive presentation on youth challenges

Cebekhulu impressed the adjudicators with his presentation on violence affecting learners and young people. He addressed challenges including bullying in schools, and the prevalence of dangerous weapons and substance abuse, while proposing possible solutions that included innovative ideas inspired by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

His understanding of the causes of these challenges, combined with his proposed interventions, earned him the unanimous decision of the judges.

The announcement was met with cheers, prolonged applause and ululation from those gathered in the Senate Chambers.

Leaders praise young crime prevention ambassador

Cebekhulu was welcomed by uThukela District Commissioner Major General T Gonya, uThukela Mayor Inkosi NB Shabalala and uThukela Department of Education District Director Ms Poppy Mokoena.

Congratulating the learner, Mayor Shabalala said that success begins with positive thinking and a commitment to making a difference.

“You have an obligation to make a difference to yourself first, your family and your community. You need to change the way you conduct yourself completely,” said Shabalala.

He added that education should equip young people with the tools needed to improve the livelihoods of their families and communities.

Mokoena also congratulated Cebekhulu, describing his achievement as a clear indication of a bright future for the youth of the uThukela District.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Major General Phumelele Makoba, also congratulated Cebekhulu and encouraged learners to become ambassadors of crime prevention and champions of positive change in their schools and communities.

Young people urged to speak out and believe in their ideas

“We need young people who choose courage over fear. We need determined youth who defy the odds of peer pressure, take up responsibilities and break the silence,” said Makoba.

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