Pimville foundation celebrates Youth Day by honouring seniors

The Nhlanhla Tshabalala Foundation, which is a youth-focused organisation from Pimville, celebrated Youth Day by caring for elderly residents in Soweto.

The foundation organised its fourth annual Warm for Winter programme at Onions & All, Ext 1 on June 16.

Nhlanhla Tshabalala, chairperson and founder of the Foundation, said it is important for the youth of this era to do justice to the legacy of 1976 by being service-oriented in their communities.

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He spoke of ‘Indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili’, meaning the way is inquired of those who have gone before.

He reiterated that the older generation has guided the youth and that the youth must continue that relationship and treat the elderly with respect, especially as they grow older and less able to care for themselves.

Tsakane Sono, Miss Aweito 2022/23 who is also an occupational therapist and a lecturer at Edwards University, reminded elderly citizens how valuable and relevant they remain in our communities.

She said that too often, the elderly are lonely or burdened, especially when caring for grandchildren or worrying about the paths their children have taken.

“I wanted them to know they have done their part and should not carry our choices,” she said.

Reflecting on the struggles of the youth, Sono stated that while they honoured the bravery of the young people of 1976, they also acknowledged the struggles faced by today’s youth, including unemployment, substance abuse, mental illness, and a lack of opportunity.

“I hope our youth and our elderly appreciate the power of choice, of assistance, and unity.

“We owe the previous generation for standing together, reaching out and seeking help when needed, and for never losing the power of unity and purpose,” said Sono.

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Programme director Lwazi Radebe explained that while it was unfortunate that young people did not attend in large numbers, the message was relevant to the issues they face in their daily lives.

He explained that young people are struggling with serious issues – from violent crime and gender-based violence to a lack of access to university education – as if they are not expected to contribute meaningfully to society.

“I know this personally, having been accepted to university but unable to attend due to a lack of finances,” said Radebe.

He urged the young ones to use new technology to empower themselves and initiate genuine change, regardless of their circumstances or upbringing.

“Youth have the tools the previous generation did not have. They have social media, technology, and global information. It is time we utilised those tools for more than entertainment.”

Tshabalala thanked their partner, Blackdot Property Consultants, and sponsors RICHU Trading Enterprise, Setjhaba Energy, Mbokodo Building, Melitta Trading, Phekon FS, and Venue Onions & All for making the event possible.