The Bonteheuwel Youth Cadet Academy plans to be much more than just a drilling squad – it wants to instil leadership and conflict resolution qualities among its members.
Its launch on Saturday November 10 has sparked much interested, even from neighbouring communities like Langa and Bishop Lavis, who came out in big numbers to support it.
The academy was birthed thanks to a partnership between the Bonteheuwel Youth Movement (BYM) and the South African Youth Cadet Academy.
Among those who attended the launch was the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s regional head, Advocate Hishaam Mohamed, who said a project like this is important for nation-building.
“Young people today need practical application when it comes to respect and tolerance, and the cadet is a wonderful mechanism to do so. We need it in our communities, in our province and in our country for nation-building. Tolerance is very important in non-racialism as they grow older. Poverty may have affected their parents in a different way, but there is no reason to lose one’s dignity. That to me, serves as a motivation to support this initiative,” Mr Mohamed said.
Nuraan Mayman de Grass, chairperson of the BYM, said her organisation was started shortly after the protest action by the Shutdown Movement.
“At the first shutdown Bonteheuwel had, there were lots of youth in attendance. We realised we are privileged with activists, but the reality is that they are getting older. We then put the idea on Facebook to start a youth movement and a few people were interested. At our public meeting, 13 young people pitched, and that is how we started. Since then, we have been inundated with people who are interested. Our movement is all about restoring dignity, reclaiming destinies and promoting peace. Our aim is to bring pride back for children of Bonteheuwel. We want them to realise there is more for them then what they might think,” Ms Mayman de Grass said.
The cadet academy is open to children from as young as 6 years, up to the age of 21. Its aim is not to replace the drilling squads already operational at schools, Ms Mayman de Grass said, but to give the young people alternatives after school hours.
Founder of the South African Youth Academy, Randall Petersen, is a well-known figure in this field, having been involved with initiatives like this since the 1980s.
“The BYM approached me to start a branch here. I am passionate about this – it’s all about the children. This is how I choose to make a positive contribution, not in politics. The cadet academy will make a difference in the community,” he said.
Mr Petersen is doing the work on a voluntary basis.
Constable Francois Daniels from Bishop Lavis SAPS said initiatives like the cadet academy is what police need in their fight against crime.
Addressing the children and their parents, he said: “You need to work towards success. In your pledge today you said you will uphold the constitution, and I would like to encourage your parents to support you in all aspects of your lives. Good things don’t just come – you need to work towards it. Respect and discipline starts with you. I wish you well and hope that you will grow from strength to strength,” Constable Daniels said.
Ward 50 councillor, Angus Mckenzie, reminded the children that “not many people will give you an opportunity in life”.
“We live in a society that is sick, sad and depressed. Some children don’t want to go to school because of the dangers lurking outside. Parents are at work worried about their children’s safety.
“Here is an opportunity for young people to show others that you are valued and cared for. It’s an opportunity for you to change the history of the community, city and the country,” Mr Mckenzie added.
