Bambisanani Partnership Awards bring hope and inspiration at Mnyakanya School
Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa recently held a special celebration event to present the annual Bambisanani Partnership Awards to seven remarkable students.
From left to right: Nhloso Mzolo, Samkelisiwe Nlagwaza, Hlakaniphani Ndlovu, Unathi Mbulu, Nhlakanipho Mkhize, Silindile Mzolo, Lindokuhle Nala
Mrs Pk Zondi, Bambisanani Co-ordinator at the school highlighted the importance of the awards, “The Bambisanani Awards continue to bring smiles and hope to the Mnyakanya community. During 2021, Mnyakanya students learnt under very difficult and tense conditions, where sports events and other extracurricular activities had many limitations. The 2021 Bambisanani Awards winners could not believe it when they were informed that the school was arranging a big event in which they would be recognised for being outstanding for what they are doing. These awards are really a great motivation to Mnyakanya students and youth in the community. The awards make the recipients feel famous and honoured. We do not have enough words to say how much we appreciate these awards. On behalf of the school and local community I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this brilliant idea that continues to have such an impact.”
2021 Bambisanani Partnership Award winners are as follows:
Sibonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award: Nhloso Mzolo
Sportswoman of the Year Award: Samkelisiwe Nlagwaza
Laurie McCauley Most Improved Footballer Award: Hlakaniphani Ndlovu
Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award: Unathi Mbulu
Sportsman of the Year: Nhlakanipho Mkhize
John Paul II Foundation for Sport Helping Others Achieve their Potential Award: Silindile Mzolo
John Paul II Foundation for Sport True Spirit of Sport Award: Lindokuhle Nala
The proud winners of the awards were clearly delighted with their success:
Sibonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award Winner, Nhloso Mzolo
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my educators and fellow students for trusting me to be a leader. When I was elected as the chairperson of the Representative Council of Learners, I knew that it said something about my leadership qualities but I never expected any award for my work. To be nominated and receive the “Sibonelo Magwaza Leadership Award has put me in a spotlight. I feel very proud of myself. I feel like everyone at school is respecting me. I do not hesitate that I will be a good leader, even in the future. I would like to thank all who made this happen and pay my respects to Sibonelo.”
Sportswoman of the Year Award Winner, Samkelisiwe Nlagwaza
“I feel very honoured today that I am nominated and acknowledged as a "Sportswoman of the Year" in 2021. This special Bambisanani Award makes me feel confident and motivates me further in my sports activities. I like athletics and am excelling in it. I hope that I will be a well-known athlete in future. Thank you very much for recognising my talent.”
Laurie McCauley Most Improved Footballer Award: Hlakaniphani Ndlovu
“I really don't know what to say! My happiness is more than the words. I really feel as a star in the whole school and in my community. To be recognised as "The Most Improved Footballer" of the year 2021 gives me hope that one day my dream to be a famous soccer player will come true. I like soccer and I am so happy that my talent is recognised through this special award in memory of Laurie McCauley.”
Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award: Unathi Mbulu
“I am very grateful to receive the ‘Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award’ for 2021. This award makes me feel special at school. It makes me dream more about my future in creative writing. I also hope that all my dreams will lead me to be a better person in future. I would like to thank all the Bambisanani Team and teachers for making my talent known. I feel famous!”
Sportsman of the Year: Nhlakanipho Mkhize
“I can't believe that 2021 "Sportsman of the Year Award" comes to me. I am short of words to say thank you to everyone involved. I really like sports and always like to go with a winning attitude. I am happy that this award will make my team and my parents to be proud of me. My team mates will be very motivated. Thank you very much to all the Bambisanani Team.”
John Paul II Foundation for Sport Helping Others Achieve their Potential Award: Silindile Mzolo
“I feel very honoured to be nominated and awarded with John Paul II Foundation for Sport " Helping Others Achieve their Potential Award" This means a lot to me. I was not aware that my work is meaningful to anyone. All I did was to try to help others as part of uplifting their potential. I dream of nothing but to help learners who are struggling with their school work. I expect nothing in return. I don’t help for any compensation. For me it is very painful to see someone not achieving while there was something I could do to assist. Getting this award is opening my eyes and makes me feel proud and encouraged to do more. I wish to pass my massive thanks to the Bambisanani team.”
John Paul II Foundation for Sport True Spirit of Sport Award: Lindokuhle Nala
“I am only in Grade 8 i.e my first year at Mnyakanya.
I was very surprised to be nominated and awarded with the ‘True Spirit of Sport Award’. I am very happy that my coach and my teachers have realised my talent so quickly. This award is giving me hope for a brighter future in sports. I am highly motivated to do my very best.”
David Geldart from the partnership was full of praise for the award winners:
“Massive congratulations are due to these magnificent seven students who have achieved so much in the most difficult of circumstances of 2021. They are wonderful role models to others I know that they all have the ability and determination to go further; we will watch with interest! At this time, we especially remember Laurie and Sibonelo and their very special legacy awards that continue to inspire and motivate; we know how important these awards are to their families who take great interest in hearing about the award winners every year. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the educators at Mnyakanya who have recognised and nurtured the talent outlined above. Special thanks also to Father Vlad and the John Paul II Foundation for Sport for helping us establish these awards. The importance of recognising and rewarding such achievements cannot be overstated. These very special awards continue to shine a light on exceptional young people at Mnyakanya and long may that continue!”
The Bambisanani Awards Ceremony at Mnyakana High School
Silindile Mzolo wearing a St. Mary’s scarf to represent St. Mary’s at the event
