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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Rights come with responsibility. This was the essence of the keynote address delivered by Chris Nissen of the Human Rights Commission at a Youth Day celebration hosted by the Department of Correctional Services on Tuesday, 14 June.
"If you want your rights, you have to be willing to stand up and fight for the rights of others," Nissen pointed out in the light of the scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa.
He implored the youth, as well as other members of the community, "to keep quiet no more". He expressed a deep concern about the level of abuse in South African communities.
"Men can no longer think they are better than women, nor can we tell our boys that cowboys don't cry. Poverty is no excuse to commit crime and if your child does wrong, practise tough love."
Several speakers who contributed to the day echoed the same sentiments.
Alderman Dirk Kotzé, executive mayor of Mossel Bay, extended a challenge to all the men, young and old, within the greater Mossel Bay area.
"Find your talent and build on it to better the community. Fathers, men, boys I call on you to stand and set an example. My challenge stands."
Kotzé reminded the youth that, as in 1976 when the Soweto uprising took place, history had shown that whenever they felt hopeless, the youth decided to fight for what was right. He pointed out that the youth, amid joblessness, should make the most of all opportunities given to them, including those from the local municipality.
Department of Correctional Services regional commissioner Delekile Klaas added to these comments, that the youth of South Africa, in 1976, through their uprising, made a decision to save the country since the Soweto uprising gave impetus in the fight for freedom.
He lamented the stronghold of substance and drug abuse among communities.
The Indwe Secondary School choir.
"As long as we have drugs in our communities, no one can walk the streets free from the fear of being robbed, raped or murdered."
Brigadier Phuzile Cetyana, commander of the Da Gamaskop Police Cluster reminded the youth of the importance of making the right choices. Among these, he pointed out, was joining the South African Police Service. It was a good career choice.
"The SAPS have a mammoth task and I urge the youth to take part in community initiatives to combat crime."
Other messages of support were delivered by Transnet National Ports Authority, PetroSA, Community Corrections and Springbok rugby legend, Bevan Fortuin.
Fortuin said he is living proof of the massive role sport plays in keeping the youth away from destructive habits.
Horatius Strydom (right) with programme director, Reverend Mzukisi Faleni.
"Sport brings our communities together. History has shown that. That's why we need more proper sports facilities. Sport turns us into better people. It helps us stay out of trouble and can turn you into the person you dreamt to be," Fortuin concluded.
Manager of Mossel Bay Community Corrections, Bongiwe Dlwathi, pleaded for more opportunities for parolees, who are seldom given a second chance in communities. Such opportunities are offered by Horatius Strydom from Strydom Consulting, who has trained 30 offenders in basic building skills in partnership with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) and the Department of Human Settlements. Strydom attended the event to hand over the certificates to the newly-qualified trainees.
Highlights during the programme included a demonstration by the SAPS drill squad and a performance by the award-winning Indwe Secondary School choir. Earlier during the day, sport was played, with the trophies and medals handed out to the winning teams during the ceremony.
Springbok legend, Bevan Fortuin.
Reverend Chris Nissen of the Human Rights Commission. Photos: Cornelle Carstens
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