Bambisanani Awards continue to recognise and reward young people

The awards are given out annually by Menston based charity The Bambisanani Partnership, which links UK and South African schools through physical education and sport.

At Vumanhlamvu Primary School in South Africa three Bambisanani Awards were presented in memory of former St Mary's pupil Jordan Sinnott: The Sports Leader of the Year was named as Philani Shezi, the football team captain for 2023; Sportswomen of the Year was Silindokuhle Mvela who was 100 meters District Champion in Athletics in 2023 and Sportsman of the Year was Simphilele Ngonyama who was the top goal scorer in the local Schools Football Tournament in 2023.

Philani Shezi from Vumanhlamvu School with his Sports Leaders Award

William Vilakazi, Principal of Vumanhlamvu said: "Having Jordan Sinnott Awards in our school inspires learners. The awards help learners from a young age to develop not only sporting skills but also the social skills to work with their teammates, make new friends and learn how rewarding it is to participate in team sports. It has also improved self-esteem of most learners in our school, learners are hungry to succeed in all sports activities in order to lift these prestigious awards. We thank the Sinnott family and we were so sorry to hear recently of the passing of Jordan’s Mum, Melanie, who was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership and of our school; May she Rest in Peace with Jordan.”

At Mnyakanya High School eight awards were presented by Miss Charlotte Wood from St. Marys, Menston, during the recent visit to South Africa by student volunteers. They were: Laurie McCauley Most Improved Footballer Award: Velani Mtshali; Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award: Athandile Gumede; Helping Others Achieve Their Potential Award: Uyabusa Mvubu; True Spirit of Sport Award: Nombulelo Shangase; Sbonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award: Bayanda Gcaba; Sportswoman of the Year Award: Seluleko Nzuza; Sportsman of the Year Award: Luthando Mnqayi.

A Sbonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award is also presented at St. Mary’s, Menston to a student volunteer from the school who has shown exceptional leadership in South Africa. This was awarded to Anna Ciesluk.

A new annual award has been introduced this year at Mnyakanya School: The Heather Read Award for Outstanding Resilience.

Heather Read was the first female President of Aireborough Rotary Club and a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership. The award in her memory was given to Ntuli Samkelisiwe.

Ntuli Samkelisiwe receiving the Heather Read Award

Additionally, at Mnyakanya three Bambisanani Awards were presented to educators, Mr SV Nugubane, Mrs PK Zondi and Miss M Langa for their outstanding contribution to the partnership.

Three Bambisanani Awards were also presented Ntolwane Primary School: Sportswomen of the Year Award: Luyanda Magwaza; Sportsman of the Year Award: Thobani Mhlongo; Sports Leader of the Year Award: Samkelisiwi Geada.

David Geldart from the partnership said: “Congratulations to all the recipients of this year’s awards. Many thanks also to the teachers in all of our schools that continue to provide learners with the opportunities, encouragement and support that enables them to shine and to be recognised. Special thanks to Monsignor Vladimir Felzmann (Father Vlad) for his tremendous support with these awards. We remember especially at this time the awards in memory of Laurie McCauley, Sbonelo Magwaza, Jordan Sinnott and Heather Read; we know that these awards, that motivate and inspire others, bring strength and comfort to their families. What we also know is that many students already have an eye to the awards in 2024!"