Merriment at launch of 16 Days of Activism

By Emily Setona

WARDEN – The town of Warden was abuzz this past week as the Alinah Mazibuko Foundation hosted its second annual games, and the Office of the executive mayor of Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality Conny Msibi kicked off the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

In an interview with The Guard, Alinah Mazibuko said “the support from the community, schools, and our partners has been phenomenal. We are thrilled to see this initiative grow, and we dream of taking it to every school in the Free State.”

The event, held over two days on November 21 and 22, featured modern and indigenous games that entertained and united participants from all walks of life. The games also paid tribute to the late June Mlangeni, a local teacher known for his generosity and community spirit.

The highlight of the weekend was an awards ceremony, celebrating the skills and achievements of participants in various categories.Terisa Hsu-Lee, founder of Everbeauty and Co-Triple 8 and a top five finalist in Mrs South Africa 2023, was one of the event’s sponsors.

Speaking about her involvement, Hsu-Lee said “it is truly inspiring to see young people leading initiatives like this. The joy on the children’s faces and the unity among the community remind us why we must continue supporting such efforts. I am proud to be part of this journey and look forward to seeing the tournament grow.”

Mazibuko also highlighted the importance of institutional support.

The Departments of Sport and Education needs to see the value in what this foundation is doing. This tournament brings joy and empowerment to young people, and with the right support, it can reach even more schools across the province.

On the left one of the sponsors Teresa Hsu-Lee standing next to TMDM executive mayor Conny Msibi.

The event drew participants and supporters from within and outside the province, showcasing the power of collaboration in tackling pressing social issues.

Warden stood united in its resolve to combat GBV, with the foundation already planning the next tournament. With the unwavering support of its partners and community, the initiative promises to grow even stronger in the years to come.

South Africa joins the world in the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign will take place between 25 November and 10 December 2024 under the theme: “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children”