In the spirit of reconciliation and the promotion of non-violence in the community, Athlone-based organisation, Ikamva Ubomi, its youth group, Young Active Leading Entrepreneurs (YALE), and Imagine SA, came together to celebrate Heritage Day.
Ikamva Ubomi, as the facilitator of the event, organised a tour to landmarks in Athlone for insight into South Africa’s apartheid past.
The youth acted as tour guides.
Szilvia Holloway, executive director of Imagine SA, said her organisation envisions a world with ethical, insightful and compassionate human beings.
“We are striving to achieve it by inspiring people to develop the skills, organisation and motivation needed to overcome challenges and create peaceful and sustainable societies.
After the tour Imagine SA and YALE, as part of the #SayNo2Violence campaign, made presentations to the visitors.
Members of YALE previously completed Imagine SA’s youth leadership and sustainable community development programme. The campaign was developed to address and bring an end to violence in communities.
Ms Holoway said: “Creating peaceful and safe communities starts with its members’ commitment to developing a non-violent frame of mind and to practise it in their everyday conversations and behaviour.
“The partners – Ikamva Ubomi and Imagine SA – aim to collaborate with local businesses and organisations and reach as many communities as possible to inspire change in behaviours and environments for more just, safer and sustainable communities.”
The site visits, as part of this fallen heroes tour, included the Ashley Kriel memorial house in Hazendal, the house where Anton Fransch was ambushed in Athlone, the Trojan Horse massacre in Thornton Road, and the Robert Waterwitch and Coline Williams statue in Athlone.
After the formalities, the youths presented a play, and hosted a braai.
Arts and crafts – with the Ikamva Ubomi logo imprinted on it – were also on sale.