Friday 26 July 2024

---

Waste Pickup Drive in Honour of Nelson Mandela 67 Minutes

Date: Friday, 26th of July 2024
Time: 10:20 AM to 12:00 PM

Author Sr Nthati Mosia OP

On Friday, July 26, 2024, the spirit of community and environmental stewardship was alive and thriving as we came together for a waste pickup drive in honour of Nelson Mandela 67 minutes. This significant event was marked by the participation of our community and was enriched by the involvement of two neighboring schools: Sbongumbomvu Combined School and Never Never Land Full Service School.

From 10:20 AM to 12:00 PM, students, teachers, and community members worked side by side, dedicating their time and effort to cleaning up our environment. The drive not only honored the legacy of Nelson Mandela but also highlighted the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment for future generations.

Importance of the Clean-Up

Nelson Mandela’s legacy is one of selflessness, service, and a commitment to the betterment of society. The 67 minutes initiative, inspired by the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for social justice, encourages individuals to take a small amount of time to make a difference in their communities. By participating in this waste pickup drive, we aimed to embody these values and demonstrate the collective impact of small actions.

The cleanup drive was not just about picking up litter; it was about fostering a sense of responsibility towards our environment. The involvement of Sbongumbomvu Combined School and Never Never Land Full Service School was particularly significant. These young students learned firsthand about the importance of environmental conservation and the role they play in protecting our planet.

Environmental Impact

Litter and waste can have detrimental effects on our environment, from harming wildlife to polluting our water sources. By removing waste from our surroundings, we helped to reduce these negative impacts. Our efforts contributed to cleaner streets, parks, and natural areas, making our community a healthier place to live.

Community Building

Events like this waste pickup drive also play a crucial role in building and strengthening community bonds. Working together towards a common goal fosters a sense of unity and cooperation. It provides an opportunity for individuals of all ages to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. The participation of the two schools added an educational dimension to the drive, ensuring that the lessons learned would be carried forward by the next generation.

In conclusion, the waste pickup drive in honour of Nelson Mandela 67 minutes was a resounding success. It served as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together as a community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sbongumbomvu Combined School and Never Never Land Full Service School for their enthusiastic participation and to all the volunteers who made this event possible. Let us continue to carry forward the legacy of Nelson Mandela by making a positive difference in our community, one small action at a time.

Formation For Formators June – July session 2024

Empowering Tomorrow’s Spiritual Leaders: Innovative Approaches to
Religious Formation

On Monday, the 24th of June 2024, St Joseph’s Theological Institute (Cedara, South Africa)
welcomed participants from various religious communities for a short course commonly known as
Triple F (Formation For Formators). We received 33participants consisting of sisters, Brothers,
and Priests from South Africa, Zambia, India, Namibia, Siera Leon, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Nigeria,
and Malawi. The SJTI Formation For Formators Programme aims to enhance the skills and
knowledge of formators, enabling them to better guide and mentor individuals in their spiritual
journeys and vocational discernments.

Within religious circles, the importance of the Formation For Formators course cannot be
overstated. Formators play a crucial role in shaping the spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral
dimensions of future clergy and religious leaders. This course provides them with contemporary
tools and methodologies to address the evolving challenges in religious formation. By focusing on
holistic development, the program ensures that formators can foster environments that promote
personal growth, community living, and a deepening of faith among their mentees.

Furthermore, the course addresses the dynamic nature of religious life and the need for adaptable
and culturally sensitive approaches. As societies become increasingly diverse and secularized, the
St Joseph’s Theological Institute (RF) NPC
Formation For Formators program at SJTI empowers formators to respond effectively to these
changes. Participants are trained to cultivate resilience, empathy, and a profound understanding
of their role within the broader context of the Church’s mission. Ultimately, this course strengthens
the foundation of religious communities by ensuring that formators are well-prepared to nurture
the next generation of committed and compassionate leaders.

On June 16, St. Leo in Imbubu Location, Sweetwater, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, hosted a lively Youth Day celebration.

Meaningful remembrance of Youth Day

The parish, served by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, organized a day packed with activities to honor the young people who fought for freedom in South Africa. The event saw participation from local youths, representatives from Saint Joseph’s Theological Institute (SJTI), and Fr. Thami MZIZI OMI, the parish priest. Everyone enjoyed a variety of games, including soccer, netball, sncobhoyi, stack up, sack races, and egg races. These activities not only brought joy and excitement but also fostered a sense of unity and a meaningful remembrance of Youth Day.

The Soweto Uprising

On June 16, 1976, the Soweto Uprising began in South Africa as thousands of black students protested against the mandatory use of Afrikaans in schools. The peaceful march turned violent when police opened fire, killing 13-year-old Hector Pieterson and others. The protests quickly spread, becoming a symbol of resistance against apartheid. This tragic event drew international attention to the oppressive South African regime and galvanized the anti-apartheid movement. Annually, June 16 is commemorated as Youth Day in South Africa, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of the students.

A day to express gratitude and appreciation

The gathering at St. Leo was more than just an event; it was a day to express gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices and bravery of the youth who fought for freedom. As everyone took part in the games and festivities, the atmosphere was filled with a spirit of togetherness and remembrance. The celebration highlighted the importance of honoring the past while enjoying the present, making it a day to appreciate the progress made and the unity shared among all who attended the commemorations at St. Leo.

Subject: Thank You for Attending SJTI Aretsebaneng Heritage Day

Our most valued Guests

We would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your presence at our SJTI Heritage Day. Your attendance made the event all the more special, and it wouldn’t have been the same without you.

Your enthusiasm and support mean the world to us, and we hope you had a fantastic time. Your presence added an extra layer of joy and warmth to the occasion, and we appreciate your efforts to be a part of it.

We hope you enjoyed the SJTI Aretsebang heritage day as much as we did. It was truly a memorable day, and your participation made it even more remarkable.

Once again, thank you for attending [Event Name]. Your presence made it a remarkable and unforgettable experience, and we are grateful for your friendship and support.

Please keep an eye out for future events and gatherings, as we would love to have you with us again.

Warmest regards,

SJTI

Reflection by Fr Ian Chitambo OMI

Studies at SJTI

Arriving at St Joseph’s Theological Institute can create a lot of emotions in an individual. There is an excitement of starting something new and there is also hesitancy of starting a journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I started my academic journey at SJTI with philosophical studies in 2014, finishing in 2021 with a Bachelor of Theology. One crucial thing that I realised was that studies at SJTI take a holistic approach, attention is given to all areas of human life and growth. At SJTI I was given the freedom to think and express myself, I was given tools of critiquing and analysing situations in life. In so doing, I also learnt a great deal about myself and the other. Another important lesson that I got to appreciate was that religion and faith should not only remain in a romanticised form. I came to realise that benefits of what I learnt about religion are enunciated more clearly as you engage with the world.

As one leaves the institute, transitioning into the world, there comes a sense of fear and a feeling of being overwhelmed. However, I believe that with what I learnt I will be ready. I will remember SJTI with great nostalgia. What I have learnt and experienced will live in me as fresh as they occurred.

Looking forward in life, I hope to use all the knowledge and skills that I acquired at SJTI. I hope to make a difference even in little things. I also hope to be challenged by life’s situations and learn a great deal out of these situations. As I step into the world I am proud to go out and represent SJTI; whatever I shall preach or teach will be attached to what I learnt at SJTI.