THE Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Mongameli Bobani, recently honoured five Bay residents for outstanding achievements at a celebratory breakfast.
Five local stars, Nozipho Bell, Nikita-Aliyah Mgoduka, Andile Bailey, Khazimla Khondlo and Siseko Hermanus, received Bay Achievers Awards for representing the city at prestigious events.
Speaking at the celebratory breakfast, Bobani said that the NMBM wants to celebrate and reward its residents’ achievements and create awareness of the vast and untapped potential of the youth in the city.
“The youth and their future are an important priority of this municipality, and a broad spectrum of programmes is in place to promote the economic well-being and progress of our youth.
“It is hard to believe that over four decades have passed since the youth advanced the cause of our freedom in their courageous resistance against apartheid education. In the process, dozens paid the ultimate price.
“Their great sacrifice may never be forgotten,” Bobani said.
One of the stars, Bell, was recently crowned Women’s World Boxing Federation’s (WBF) Featherweight 2019 Champion and WBF Boxer of the Month. In total, she has nine wins, two losses and one draw.
Nikita – Aliyah Mgoduka, a finalist in Miss Africa, She is Africa!, has also received an award.
Bailey, a rising karta judo star, received an award for winning a bronze medal at the Africa Karta Judo Championship.
Khondlo is the reigning Miss Mini Glam South Africa International 2019.
She won the grand title of Miss Charming 2019.
In addition, she recently won Overall Grand Supreme at Miss International Princess South Africa, where she was chosen to represent South Africa again in New York in July this year.
Hermanus is known as a true ambassador of the city, having been nominated to attend the 2019 International Student Convention in Warrensburg, Missouri, in the United States.
Hermanus will be departing for the USA next week in May where he will be taking part in Bible reciting and an International Soccer Tournament.
Bobani stated that it was against this background that the city was celebrating the success of the young citizens of the city in the international arena, proving again that local is good and often excellent.
“These bright stars represent so much talent – and we are all so proud of you,” he said. “You all reside in and represent the only city in the world named after the international icon, Nelson Mandela.
“Wherever you go, know that the city is proud of you,” Bobani said
