In commemoration of June month, a number of activities were planned to empower the youth and schools in the Mpondo Kingdom, however, due to the passing of His Majesty Zanozuko Tyelovuyo Sigcau and the fact that the nation is in mourning, some have been postponed and others re adjusted to observe and respect this difficult time of our nation.
An event was planned for the donation of shoes by Imbumba Foundation to all the learners of Mt Zion Junior Secondary School in Mbizana where various speakers were expected to speak including the founder of Imbumba Foundation Mr Richard Mabaso, Princess Stella Sigcau II who is the coordinator of this program, representatives from school governing body, a representative from the municipalities and Traditional Leaders amongst others. Social Development and Child life were expected to educate the youth on GBV including child trafficking, child abuse, bullying, cyber safety and teenage pregnancy. Performances reflecting the culture of AmaMpondo were also in the lineup of the day. However due to the passing of His Majesty King Zanozuko Tyelovuyo Sigcau, the event will not take place, instead, a handing-over ceremony shall be held where the learners will receive the shoes donated by Imhumba Foundation. The celebratory part of the programme will no longer take place except for the physical handing over of shoes to pay respect to the passing of His Majesty.
In 2021 Freedom Park honoured Mpondo Kings and Chiefs who played a role in the colonial resistance and in the liberation struggle including King Faku, King Marhelane kaSigcau and Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau, a program coordinated by Princess Stella Sigcau II. As a follow-up from this program representatives from schools namely Ntsikayezwe Senior Secondary School and Dumezweni Senior Secondary School from Ntabankulu and Mncwadi Senior Secondary School and Mt Zion Junior Secondary School from Mbizana including learners and teachers are scheduled to attend a youth program organised by Freedom Park from 9-11 June 2022 in Pretoria. This serves as an exposure visit for the learners to learn more about the role of Freedom Park and about those who sacrificed for the Freedom of South Africa including those who played a significant role in contributing to a better life for all, who have been honoured by Freedom Park. The Mpondo Kingdom honoured includes the Kings and Chiefs mentioned, the late former President of the ANC OR Tambo, struggle activist Winnie Madikizela Mandela, the fallen martyrs of the Mpondo revolt, the Mpondos who fell with the
SS Mendi and many others. The delegation will depart from the Mpondo Kingdom on the 9th of June 2022 and return on the 11 June 2022.
Prior to the beginning of the program, a moment of silence will be observed to pay respect to the departed King. These form part of the programmes that seek to empower the youth in the Mpondo Kingdom including through training in the 4th Industrial Revolution and computer training, and donation of sanitary towels and books to various schools amongst others. Recently Ntsikayezwe Senior Secondary School and Dumezweni Senior Secondary School received training in 4th IR, 3 schools from EmaXesibeni to receive books from Walter Sisulu University and from the Indian Embassy. Ntsikayezwe Senior Secondary School has received the donation of books from the Indian Embassy and from Walter Sisulu University as well as Victor Poto School. This is part of the Khuthaza Ukufunda Initiative to promote and encourage the culture of reading in the Mpondo Kingdom. Career guidance expos and seminars have been held previously as well as the GBV programs at schools. These have been postponed to a period that is to be confirmed after the mourning period which is believed to be three months.
