Community development workers graduate

Community development workers were all agog with excitement at a ceremony last week at North-West University’s Mafikeng Campus where 329 certificates were conferred after the candidates successfully completed a 12-month course in community development.

The aim of the course was to equip unemployed youth with the necessary skills to become role players in social cohesion and local economic development. The programme was conducted by the North West Provincial Department of Social Development, Women, Children and People with Disabilities in partnership with the University’s Social Sciences Faculty.

During the conferment ceremony held on 20 March 2012 in the Great Hall, masupatsela (as they are popularly known in their communities) came from all over the province to officially receive acknowledgement for their hard work.

The graduates kick-started the ceremony with the melodious rendition of the song Thuma Mina Baba ku la maguma a mane with the apt meaning of “Send me to all corners of the world, God”.

In her keynote address, the mayor of Mafikeng Local Municipality, Ms Lena Miga told graduates, “You are the agents of change. Go out and change peoples’ lives, because the development of our communities depends on you.”

The ceremony was attended by graduates’ parents; the Head of the Department of Social Development, Ms Mothobi; Vice Rector Prof Mosimege; as well as senior officials from both the Department and the University.

Mafikeng Mayor, Ms Lena Miga gave the keynote address.