From left: Mr Mbekezeli Madida, Mr Siphamandla Yaka, Ms Portia Maphumulo, Mr Sikhumbuzo Mloyi and Mr Sandakahle Hadebe.Student YMCA Holds Inaugural Thanksgiving Dinner
UKZN’s Student Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) held its Inaugural Thanksgiving Dinner at the Pavilion Hotel in Durban under the theme: Generational Impact… Be the Legacy.
The dinner was staged to celebrate the relationship the organisation has with its stakeholders, friends and partners and also to help build new long term relationships to ensure that the YMCA vision is spread on all campuses as well as in communities surrounding them.
There were a variety of guests including government officials, business and academic leaders, students, civil society officials, and church and community leaders.
Head pastor at the Maritzburg Christian Church Pastor Merrick Habile opened the event with prayer, dedicating the gathering to the Lord, and was followed by Chair of the YMCA Board Dr Nompumelelo Thabethe, who welcomed guests and made opening remarks.
UKZN student and a member of the Y-Arts programme Mr Siyabonga Mzizi entertained the audience with poetry while former UKZN students Ms Portia Maphumulo and Professor Bonga Chiliza were among those who shared some of the learning experiences they had enjoyed through the Student YMCA.
Acting General Secretary of the organisation and UKZN graduate Mr Bonga Mkhize (26), who has developed into a great leader over the past four years, presented the strategy and plans the organisation has in place to help maximise its impact.
Mkhize outlined programmes and services the Student YMCA offers, which are in line with its vision to empower young people for life, leadership and service.
The keynote address was delivered by President and CEO of the First Coast YMCA in Florida in the United States Mr Eric Mann who challenged guests to see legacy as what they share with others not what they leave behind.
The event was proudly sponsored by SuperSpar Glenwood and J Live Solutions.
Words: Mbekezeli Madida