awards
8 August 2007
Stuart Nhlathi a young aspiring scientist from Klerksdorp in the North West
took centre stage when his project was declared an overall winner during the
Community Builder Awards ceremony held in Mafikeng in Tuesday. Nhlati of the
Stuart Nhlathi Science, Engineering and Technology Institute stole the hearts
of judges through his science aspirations and inventions and the way he had
engaged the youth in his hometown of Matlosana. He walked away with a total
price money of R60 000 for winning the youth and overall best project.
The 20-year-old Nhlathi has attributed his success to dedication and the
passion to share and impart knowledge. The young a vibrant scientist has
engaged most of the youth around the Matlosana Municipality to be part of the
Stuart Nhlathi Science, Engineering and Technology institute. His inventions of
12 in 1 and 15 in 1 microwave among others has really opened gate for him.
Nhlati also won the premier, youth and local municipality excellence
awards.
Speaking during the award ceremony, Social Development MEC Nikiwe Mangqo
praised community builders and further compared them to an eagle that she said
has a vision and focus, likes achievement, freshness and group work or skills
transfer. "When we commit to building and nurturing more eagle characters in
our communities, I have no doubt that the future of Africa will be the one of
prosperity, love and fellowship of mankind" said MEC Mangqo.
Bophirima district also stole the show when three of its projects were
regarded as the best projects in the adult, senior and group categories. All
winners walked away with price money of about R30 000 each. The projects, which
are engaged in preservation of indigenous knowledge, agriculture and health,
also had a different element in their approach as compared to other projects.
MEC Mangqo further made an undertaking to ensure that there is skills
development and empowerment; a follow-up will be done on these projects just to
ensure project survival and sustainability.
The four winners will further represent the province at the national
Community Builder Award event that will be held later this year. Every year
projects from the North West province represent the province during the
National Community Builder of the year awards. Most of the competing projects
are aimed at creating jobs and alleviating poverty among rural communities of
the districts. Last year alone the North West was honoured for being the only
province that implemented the community builder programme in its entirety.
Contact person:
Simon Lesolang Mmope
Tel: 018 384 0245
Cell: 082 574 7621
Issued by: Department of Social Development, North West Provincial
Government
8 August 2007
