Story by: Lebogang Mokae
Operation Fiela, in collaboration with Sol Plaatje Municipality, Frances Baard District Office, Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, including Home Affairs Department, launched the Tsoga Mocha (loosely translated – Wake you Young person) Campaign at Galeshewe Stadium on 17 June 2023.
The objective is to bring services and information closer to communities. They also want to allow youth to embrace their talents and add value within the community by moving from form Park to Park in different wards within the Sol Plaatje Municipality.
The organiser, Thabiso Louw, explained the major goal of re-energising the youth, particularly those who have lost their value in the community and have let drugs and alcohol take over their lives. ”It is our obligation to ensure that our children have a safe and bright future, as well as to prepare for the next generation”.
Nomazizi Maputle, a ward councilor from Sol Plaatje Municipality, spoke on behalf of the MEC for the Northern Cape. She emphasised the main challenging subject of Gender-Based Violence that the youth encounter and are afraid to speak up against. She stated that there is life beyond drugs and that young people should be concerned with their future and new possibilities that are accessible to them.
As part of the day’s activities, organisations such as Mme Reka Thusa, Pathways to Change, Grassroots Edges, Blade Health and Wellness, Times Fitness Club and HYPA, took the opportunity to share their services and provide information.
Pathways to Change had a stall to voluntarily screened for HIV, tuberculosis screening and other health services.
The Sol Plaatje Fire-fighting Service demonstrated preventive strategies for initiating fires, burning buildings and fire-fighting techniques.
Other activities included performances by youngsters. Aspiring rappers Onalenna Monabe (15) and his companion Omphile (15), known as SNOWEY THE KID, were excited to expose their ability. The duo said rapping keeps them occupied, away from drugs and alcohol.
Thabiso Louw is the founder of Operation Fiel and works closely with the South African Police Services (SAPS) to reduce crime in Kimberley neighborhoods.
Comments are closed.