Instilling values of Ubuntu to future Khayelitsha leaders

Caring, sharing, reciprocity, co-operation, compassion and empathy are some of the values
championed in Ubuntu. It is part of what informs and shapes African cultural, social, political
and ethical thought and action. In summary, these were the views of the speakers at the
Ubuntu initiative held in Khayelitsha to close the Human Rights month in 2023.
On the 22nd March the NHC together with the Cape Heritage Museum and an alliance
partner, the Khayelitsha Community Trust (KCT) gathered at the Khayelitsha Training Centre
to restore the dignity and empowered the youth of Khayelitsha. A total of 120 carepacks
including; sanitary towels, personal care goodies such as anti-perspirants, face cloths and
bath soaps were distributed to 10 top performers from each of the 12 invited local schools.
The top performers were also sponsored with lunch from Mc Donald’s South Africa and an
additional meal to share with someone from their community or family.
The invited schools that attended were Usasazo High School, Chris Hani High School, Zola
High School, Harry Gwala High School, Iqhayiya Secondary School, Sizimisele High School,
Joe Slovo High School, Luhlaza High School, Matthew Goniwe High School, Siphamandla
High School, Cosat and Manyano High School.
The handover ceremony was part of NHC’s Ubuntu Initiative programme, where NPOs from
communities submit proposals of support to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
The Cape Heritage Museum is a registered non-profit company (NPC) located at the Castle
of Good Hope Museum in Cape Town. The museum is one of the winners of the 2021
Golden Shield Heritage Awards under the ‘Best Heritage Destination’ category.
Khayelitsha Community Trust (KCT) was founded by the City of Cape Town in 2003 to
develop commercial, residential and community facilities in Khayelitsha. These
developments help generate economic opportunities and uplift the lives of residents.
Reverend Cebisile Vellem officially unveiled the handover ceremony with a short sermon
that was followed with some hymns sang in Isixhosa and led by the young people in the
room.
Khayelitsha Sub-Councillor Chairperson, Mr Delmaine Cottee said, “Khayelitsha as a
community that celebrates 100 years this year, we are grateful for such initiatives that will
unleash the future role models who will uplift our community. We want to see this
relationship to be a sustainable one since it contributes to the development and
empowerment of our community.”
The NHC through this programme of the philosophy of ‘Umuntu ngu muntu ngabantu’
intends to spread love, care and build social cohesion in our communities. “As an institution
we cannot exist without people. You can never be an island, exist and survive on your own–
we have a responsibility as the NHC to ensure that there is cohesiveness amongst our
communities”, said Mr Amos Mulaudzi from the NHC.
The Cape Heritage Museum Chief Executive, Mr Igshaan Higgins expressed his gratitude for
engaging with young people in the room. He urged them to consider careers in Heritage and

ensure that the history documented during the colonial era, is rewritten with our own
narration in order to build a nation and social cohesion. There is no strength in individuality
but in unity – let us unite behind our history and heritage concluded Higgins.

The venue where the handover ceremony took place, the Khayelitsha Training Centre is
owned and sponsored by the Khayelitsha Community Trust. Over and above inspiring young
people about how they should focus on becoming role models of their communities, Ms
Toni-Belu, Chairperson of the Khayelitsha Community Trust said, “it starts with knowing who
you are and where you are coming from, so that nobody can shuttle you wherever you are”.
Ms Nelisa Sishuba an attorney from a law firm in Cape Town gave a motivational talk to the
young people in the room, to not be demoralised by their current circumstances, instead may
the current situation build them to become even better people in their communities. “I
remember when I was young, we would have motivational speakers visiting our school
sharing their remarkable stories against all odds about how that one big moment changed
their lives.
I asked myself “when that big moment” comes for me, how will I know that it will change me?
Do I wait for that magical moment that will change my whole life? I thought to myself that life
is not about that but a series of little moments each one building to the last, that led me
where I am today”.
In his closing remarks, the CEO of the NHC, Dr Ndivhoniswani Lukhwareni, simplified the
philosophy of Ubuntu with an analogy that resonates with an ordinary young South African.
“In the African context, Ubuntu comes naturally. He reminisced to when he was younger
when his grandmother would send him to the forest to get her a traditional herb, he would
leave some and not uproot it for someone who is going to need it.”
Dr Lukhwareni concluded with Mme Charlotte Maxeke’s famous Ubuntu quote “If you can
rise, bring some with you”.