The World Council of YMCAs received extensive media coverage in the press, radio, television and on media websites. Here are extracts from a sample of this coverage:

YMCA Promotes Spirit of Ubuntu

The Star, 7th July

"This year’s gathering will be driven by the concept of ubuntu. What is important is that we will be picking up on the legacy of youth activism and also on South Africa’s work in seeking to get the different groups of people to work together irrespective of race, religion and gender," he (Rev. Caesar Molebatsi) said.

He added that as the world is desperate to end all kinds of conflicts, a lot could be learned from the work carried out by the YMCA in the different corners of the globe.

He also expressed hope that following the Durban Council meeting there will be a resurgence of more leaders from developing countries.

Alliance moves across communities

The Sunday Tribune, 8th July

Speaking about how the YMCA became involved in the black community, Professor Benny Khoapa, a former sociology lecturer, said that some time in the early 1930s a Bantu Centre was opened in Beatrice Street, Durban. Eventually this was given to the YMCA to run. It was at that time the only place where black people could meet with others to discuss new ideas.

The YMCA is now open to all and involved in many aspects of community life. It is also involved in city renewal programmes.

YMCA meets in Durban to build a better world

The Witness, 11 July

Building a movement for change to build a better world and maintaining the relevance of the YMCA were firmly on the agenda as 742 representatives from the World Alliance of YMCAs, spread over 80 countries, officially opened their 16th World Council in Durban yesterday afternoon.

"The 16th World Council meets at a time when the human soul is desperately crying for peace. It is crying for peace amidst war, grinding poverty of millions and the massive destruction of this planet earth….It seems to be a long, fearful night – but the dawn will come and a new day will be born. That is why you and I are here" Dr. Bartholomew Shah, Secretary General of the World Alliance of YMCAs told delegates.

Youth urged to fight human suffering

Daily News, 12 July

Global youth leaders have been urged to act now to alleviate the suffering of the people of the world.

Acting Kwa-Zulu Natal Premier Mike Mabuyakhulu, who opened the 16th World Council of YMCAs at their special Ubuntu Village at Durban’s amphitheatre, called on them to fight for development, equality, prosperity, justice, peace and freedom.

"We believe the YMCA, through various projects and engagements with governments of the world, should be at the forefront of this agitation."

Christian world body puts women’s equality on agenda

Sowetan, 14 July

YMCA World Council delegates exorcised barriers to women’s’ empowerment by throwing notes and bits of paer into a bonfire, sending gender discrimination up in flames.

The delegates at a conference in Durban discussed gender equality and explored ways of increasing women’s participation on the YMCA on Wednesday night.

Phumzile Zondi-Mabizela told the 800 delegates that gender is a dynamic and changing process. Zondi-Mabileza said gender activism should not be separated from faith.

South African Port Operations, a division of Transnet Limited, is proud to have sponsored media relations at the 16th World Council of YMCAs held in South Africa recently, ensuring national and international exposure. SAPO, one of the country’s key economic drivers, used this opportunity to showcase our organisation and its role in the growth of our country and our continent at the staging of this all important global gathering.

Tau Morwe

CEO – South African Port Operations

See Also Press Cuttings >>>

July 17, 2006

16th World Council of YMCAs highlights efforts for peace

A global gathering of YMCA leaders from 84 countries explored the theme "Ubuntu, striving together for life and peace" at the 16th World Council of YMCAs held in Durban, South Africa from 10-15 July. The Council of around 800 leaders reaffirmed the YMCA's commitment to working for justice and peace as expressed in their contemporary statement of mission, Challenge 21.

In response to the attacks on Lebanon, which began as the Council was in full session, delegates joined hands in a prayer for peace for Lebanon, the Middle East and other zones of conflict. There was a renewed call for the YMCA to step up its peace initiatives in Israel / Palestine, for example through intensifying support for the Olive tree Campaign "Keep Hope Alive", through witness visits, prayer and mobilising resources for the region. In an address to delegates, the Deputy President of South Africa, Ms.Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, urged the YMCA to keep Palestine on its agenda.

The key role of the YMCA in building peace between peoples of different faiths and ethnic groups was also recognised during the Council. As an ecumenical Movement with a trusted presence at community level, the YMCA is ideally placed to build community between all peoples, as Professor Riccardi of the Saint Egidio community reminded delegates.

Gender justice was a recurring theme of the Council discussions as YMCAs recognised the potential they have for engaging men in working for gender equity, in deepening community initiatives to empower women, and in bringing more women into decision making positions within the YMCA itself. A record number of women were elected as candidates to the new Executive Committee of the World Alliance of YMCAs - 13 out of 23 members. Leaders under the age of 30 are also well represented in the new Committee.

The World Council elected Mr. Martin Meissner (Germany) as President of the World Alliance, Rev. Samuel D. Stephens (India) as Deputy President and Fernando Ondarza (Mexico) as Treasurer. Dr. Bart Shaha, Secretary General, continues in his position for a second term.

In order to achieve these and other initiatives for peace and justice, the Council recommitted itself to the Movement Strengthening process which will be one of the key agendas of the World Alliance for the next four years. Through a focus on mission clarity, socially relevant and transformative programmes and institutional viability the Global Plan aims to strengthen the world YMCA Movement so it can serve communities ever more effectively.

The spirit of Ubuntu, which means "I am because we are" was embraced by all delegates through times of intense debate, commitments to acts of solidarity, daily worship, dancing to African music and in many other ways. The six days of striving and laughter together will now be turned into action in hundreds of communities around the world.

Ubuntu!

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July 15, 2006

World Council Business

The Plenary sessions began yesterday afternoon with the formal business was conducted yesterday.The Treasurer, Dorothy de Sing, from Panama, gave a short address, giving the outlines of the financial situation, which she labeled 'The Emergency Landing'. She said that the title chosen for the Treasurer's talk in Mexico, 'A Turbulent Time', was perhaps optimistic, as she gave her diagnosis of the finances of the World Alliance of YMCAs, and some causes for it, and possible ways out of the difficult situation. Other financial issues were postponed until Saturday morning, to enable delegates to familiarize themselves fully with the financial reports.

Much of the rest of the session was occupied by motions put forward by the current Constitutional Expert, Martin Meissner. He reported that the Executive Committee recommended the reinstatement of the membership of eight national movements - Angola, Costa Rica, Egypt, Guatemala, Madagascar, Nigeria, Philippines and Zambia. This recommendation was unanimously approved and the movements were welcomed back into the World Alliance.

The issue of the suspension of Uganda YMCA was also raised, and it was announced that an agreement has been signed between Uganda YMCA, the African Alliance of YMCAs and the World Alliance of YMCAs, with a view to solving the current problems. All parties were happy with this time-bound agreement, and the matter was put forward as a matter of information only at this point. Uganda therefore remains suspended at this time.

Meissner also moved to accept the Latin America and Caribbean Alliance (LACA) as the regional body for Latin America and the Caribbean, with the hope that we will see the day when all movements in the region will join LACA. Despite four votes against, the recommendation was accepted and, by the same margin, a vote approved the recommendation that the Latin America and Caribbean Confederation be disaffiliated as a voting member of the World Alliance Executive Committee.

The relationship between the newly independent Y Care International and the World Alliance of YMCAs was also raised. Since Y Care became independent in April 2005, with four national councils of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales as members, and because of Y Care's work, it was decided that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Y Care and the World Alliance should be signed. This MoU was approved by by the World Council, with only one vote in opposition. The plenary was concluded, and will reconvene today to discuss resolutions and recommendations.

Lewis Turner, Wales

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World Council of YMCAs - Photos

more photos>>>

July 15, 2006

Proposed shared in Ubuntu Village

Ceaser Molebatsi framed the reports from the Open Space groups by reminding us that we have moved forward with Challenge 21 and in the movement strengthening process. As in the village, each group had the opportunity to present their proposal, and everybody listened to each other. Some proposals called for national movements’ commitments, while others called on the world movement for action. But what was common in all the proposals was the energy and enthusiasm that people brought to the World Council meeting.

A total of 32 groups presented their proposals to the plenary. Some themes were stressed, such as youth participation and leadership, gender justice, the YMCA’s Christian identity, issues of fair trade and poverty, advocacy for people in conflict situations, such as Palestine, and the institutional viability of the YMCA.

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July 15, 2006

Women majority in New Executive Committee

Ms. Sofia Sanchez Acosta, Argentina

Women make up a majority of the new Executive Committee of the World Alliance of YMCAs. Out of a total of 23 members, 57%, that is 13, are women. Youth (under 30 years) make up more than a third, at 39%.

The incoming Committee will hold its first meeting this afternoon.

Africa

Ms. Sophie Ahadji, Togo

Ms. Aisa Akapson, Nigeria

Mr. Charles Habiah, Ghana

Ms. Lucy Wanjiru, Kenya

Mr. Vezinhlahla Mncwango, South Africa

Asia and Pacific

Mr. Jai Chang Park, Korea

Ms. Helen McEwan, New Zealand

Ms. Maria Cristina Miranda, Philippines

Ms. Hiromi Nagao, Japan

Canada

Mr. Sandy McIntrye

Europe

Mr. Kjetil Fretheim, Norway

Mr. Martin Bauer, Switzerland

Ms. Jennie-Marie Glover, England

Ms. Paola Petracchi, Italy

Latin America and Caribbean

Mr. Howard Sabga, Trinidad and Tobago

Ms. Lucia Quintanilla, Peru

Mr. Felipe Jurado, Chile

Ms. Sofia Sanchez Acosta, Argentina

Mr. Santiago Ortiz, Ecuador

Middle East

Ms. Rana El-Khoury, Lebanon

USA

Ms. Courtney Lawrence

Ms. Mary Benson

Mr. Kenneth Colloton

July 14, 2006

Deputy President of South Africa addresses World Council

Caesar Molebatsi, Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Deputy President of South Africa

"I call on the YMCA and the YWCA to look at working together much more closely" said the Deputy President of South Africa, in an address to delegates of the World Council last night at the City Hall. Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, herself a former member of the World YWCA Executive Committee, asserted that "our joint voice will help advance causes more quickly."

One of the causes that she highlighted was the situation in Palestine. "We must remain united and focused on this critical issue until people can enjoy peace. I'm glad the YMCA has focused on this issue - please continue, " she said to applause. She said that the South African Government is itself committed to working for peace in Palestine.

Picking up on last night's Indaba theme of gender justice, the Deputy President went on to explain that in South Africa "women are represented in generous proportions in government," but reminded delegates that there is room for good men. "Emancipation of women is not just the responsibility of women, but of the whole of society." She told delegates that women make up 50% of decision makers in all the African Union structures.

Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka went on to talk about the commitment to African regeneration by working to end conflict, to tackle HIV, malaria and TB, to breakdown the digital divide and many other ways. She described the African Renaissance as both a dream and a responsibility to deliver.

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July 14, 2006

Reconciliation is neither an option nor a luxury

"Reconciliation is neither an option nor a luxury. It is something we have to embrace, otherwise the alternative is revenge and retribution, and many people can't survive that kind of South Africa." Rev. Dr. Molefe Isele, Trustfeed Reconciliation Event.

In conversations with the survivors of the Trustfeed Massacre that occurred in the late 1980s, we heard difficult stories in the Centre built to commemorate the victims of the massacre. Eleven innocent people were killed when policeman ordered an attack to a small house. He later said that it had been a mistake. He received amnesty. But he did not feel at ease, and went to the community to seek forgiveness. In an incredible manner, one of the community leaders whose mother was killed in the incident had a dream and a vision that his mother asked him to accept reconciliation. He looked for the policeman and since then they have been working together to improve the quality of life in the community.

One of the programs provides attention for orphans whose parents have died of AIDS. They have a choir and a computer centre, as well as a large playground. As income generating activities, they sell chickens tended in the Centre. And unfortunately they also have to rent out tents for the 3-5 funerals which families hold every Saturday, mostly due to HIV AIDS. They also have literacy classes for women, in Zulu and English, human rights, and mathematics.

After seeing this work, the group was impressed and humbled. The African leaders shared with us that it was because of African spirituality that they could forgive and make reconciliation possible. They asked us to take this message back to our countries.

July 14, 2006

YMCA responds to Mumbai explosions

By Solomon Benjamin, National Council of YMCAs of India

It is terrifying to realize that there were 8 bomb blasts simultaneously in the suburban trains and another five at Kashmir/ Srinagar. 200 lives were lost and another 540 injured. There is no value for life and life in itself has no meaning to the few who only value their own life and power. The YMCA has responded to the immediate need and many volunteers have gone to help. A team of young doctors and nurses from our church have rushed to Bombay to offer emergency and first aid to the victims at Bombay. There is a medical-mission team that has collected medicines and bandages sending them to the hospitals which are overflowing with patients and don't have enough medical professionals. This is a time to share our expertise and prayers with those victims.

One of our church members, Jaya Sones was working for action-aid at Bombay, and was relieved to come back to Bangalore. He has sent his home materials in a truck and went to collect his discharge orders from the office to move when he became a victim of the blast and died on the spot. Life is so uncertain and perishable but yet is so valuable in the sight of God... who said I have come to give life and life in abundance for all.

This mission of Jesus offers meaning to our lives and in the midst of violence,killing, abuse of life and religious conflicts we are called to be Kingdomworkers... yes we press the cause of our calling and move forward to reach the goal... constantly.

Please remember the victims in your prayer and uphold them in this time of loss,bereavement and hurt.

In God's love

Solomon.P.Benjamin

July 13, 2006

New Officers Elected

Martin Meissner (centre) was elected President of the World Alliance of YMCAs during the voting process carried out yesterday. Martin has been a devoted YMCA leader in Germany since 1975. In 2004 he was awarded the Order of Merit by the President of the Republic of Germany, recognising his commitment with the YMCA. Since 1994, Martin has provided leadership at the World Alliance, serving in its committees.

Sam Stephens (left) from India YMCA was elected as Deputy President. He has contributed to the development of the India YMCA, the Asia and Pacific Alliance and the World Alliance, where he served as member of the Executive Committee.

Fernando Ondarza (right) , from Mexico has 30 years involvement in the YMCA, is member of the Fiscal Commission of the Latin American and Caribbean Alliance of YMCAs and has been a member of the World Alliance Executive Committee.

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July 13, 2006

The Gender Mine

At the second Indaba gathering at the 16th World Council, the theme focused on gender justice in the context of society as well as the YMCA movement. Gender justice is the ending of inequalities between men and women to ensure equal access to the necessary resources for one to live in full abundance. Delegates were asked to write down personal examples of gender injustice and then throw the paper into the fire. This symbolic gesture served as an inspirational beginning to the evening.

Toni Letts, CEO, South London YMCA, offered the delegation a personal insight on the issue of gender justice with stories related to gender roles and domestic violence. Ms. Letts also recounted a story in which a homeless man immediately recognized the YMCA triangle on a relief worker's jacket and asked those present to join him in prayer. This, Ms. Letts concluded, is the power of the YMCA triangle as a symbol of hope. To continue in this capacity, she challenged the delegates to reflect on gender equality within the YMCA Movement. In the spirit of Indaba, Ms. Letts called for our voices to be heard so that our actions may be felt by those in need of our services.

Phumzile Zondi-Mabizela, CEO, Kwazulu Natal Christian Council, began her session with an inspiration song entitled "Never Give Up" or "Bambelela" in Zulu. Ms. Zondi-Mabizela focused her discussion on the societal role in gender justice. She asserts that stereotyping is behind all forms of discrimination and gender in particular, is subject to rigid cultural and societal beliefs and norms.

Ms. Zondi-Mabizela also emphasized that gender justice is not a topic exclusively for women. If half of the population is excluded from opportunity, then all of humanity suffers. This unified focus speaks to the meaning of Ubuntu, striving together for life and peace.

According to Ms. Zondi-Mabizela, three issues must be addressed before justice equality can be realized:

Socialization: Gender roles are introduced and reinforced at a very young age.

Gender-based violence: Men are taught to be tough and not given the skills to negotiate. The issue is exacerbated by a patriarchal society where women are considered inferior to men.

Poverty: Economic instability has a greater impact on women who are often responsible for providing food for the family.

She further challenged the delegates to expose the myths that have shaped society and faith. Through introspection, we as individuals are better equipped to acknowledge errors and achieve a self-awareness that enables us to better serve our mission.

The evening concluded with delegates reconvening in their Indaba groups to assess where the YMCA Movement stands in terms of gender equality and to strategize the necessary action steps to ensure equal opportunities for both women and men.

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July 13, 2006

Gender justice - what are we doing about it?

Toni Letts, Speaker on Gender Justice

After the presentation on "Gender Justice - YMCA committed to social change?" held yesterday, participants were asked to reflect on what we have not done and what action can be taken to move gender justice forward. We quote some of the comments:

YMCA is still male dominated and gender equality has not been internalised by the male leadership.

We need to change the YMCA by-laws so that every board at all levels should be equipped with 50% men and 50% women.

Still men are dominating at the top, as we can see in the elections today. How on earth after eight years of Challenge 21 can our organisation get to this situation? We have men over the age of 50 representing all of us. Where does this leave me as a woman?

The World Alliance has failed to monitor and evaluate women's participation in the YMCA.

There are too many males in decision making positions. All the 8 members of the Global Staff Team are men.

If gender equity is a priority we need to change staff structure, assign resources and write a plan.

There is a lack of self confidence in women when given leadership.

The World Alliance does not have an active gender programme. Some National Movements have addressed this issue more rigorously than the World Alliance.

YMCA men need to ensure that they recognise the inequality and seek to promote women to put themselves forward for election.

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July 13, 2006

How hot is your 'C'?

On a glorious, cool Durban afternoon, the second round of the second day of the movement strengthening summit, a hot discussion on how the 'C' of the YMCA should be expressed in the Movement was under way.

The group consisted of YMCA members of diverse perspectives brought together by the quest to find each other in the expression of 'C' in their movements. Some expressed their belief in building people and their communities based on universally accepted principles of pursuing the common good while keeping religion and faith a private matter. Others advocated the fundamentality of the Paris Basis and the centrality of the extension of the Kingdom of God on earth.

At times the emotions were high, but the genuine desire to understand each other prevailed. One thing was clear though, that all sought to serve and to make a difference. The temperature of the 'C', it seems, will always remain high whenever it comes under discussion.

One question remains: how hot should your 'C' be?

Vezi Mncwango

South Africa

12 Jul. 06

July 12, 2006

If Jesus was here, what will he have us do?

While we were finalising the session held yesterday in Ubuntu Village, World Alliance President Caeser Molebatsi confronted us with the sad news that seven explosions rocked Mumbai's commuter rail network during the evening rush hour, killing at least 105 people and injuring around 500. There were blasts in several trains, railway tracks and platforms. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called an emergency Cabinet meeting, and said that "terrorists" were behind the attacks.

While Ceaser led us in a prayer for all those who are suffering, he also called us to meditate that we could go by each continent and see catastrophe's increasing. He reminded us that we are all family in this global village and we need to be sensitive to the suffering and sorrow. He left us with a question that made us reflect on what the YMCA should be doing: If Jesus was here, what will He have us do?

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July 12, 2006

Movement Strengthening Summit

Der YMCA besteht aus einer bunten Mischung von vielen Menschen aus den entlegendsten Winkeln der Erde. Das konnten wir heute in einer ganz besonderen Art und Weise erfahren. In kleinen Gruppen von drei Leuten teilten wir unsere Highlights aus unserem alltaeglichen YMCA-Leben und unsere Vision fuer die naechsten 8 Jahre. Aus diesen persoenlichen Wuenschen entstanden in immer groesser werdenden Gruppen verbindliche Statements, die allen 700 Teilnehmern vorgestellt wurden und zur weiteren Orientierung fuer unser Vorangehen in den naechsten vier Jahren dienen sollen.

Ich fand die Methode sehr bereichernd und ich sehe darin eine gute Moeglichkeit den YMCA demokratisch von unten zu beeinflussen. Es war Herausforderung fuer jeden in zwei Statements die vielfaeltigen Meinungen und Erfahrungen der Gruppe unter einen Nenner zu bringen, aber trotzdem nicht in generelle Phrasen zu verfallen. Ich hoffe, dass wir immer mehr kreative Wege finden, um voneinander zu lernen und gemeinsam voran zu gehen.

Julia Duerr

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July 12, 2006

Student Leader Steve Biko

Steve Biko started his active political involvement whilst in medical school, at the University of Natal in Durban. He began to truly question the apartheid system and the conditions that his people were forced to endure. In 1968, Steve Biko became the cofounder and first president of the all-Black South African Students’ Organization (SASO) The primary aim of the organization was to raise black consciousness in South Africa through lectures and community activities (non-violence protest).

Biko concluded that the apartheid system had a psychological effect on the Black population, which had caused Blacks to internalize and believe Whites’ racist stereotypes. According to Biko, Blacks had been convinced that they were inferior to Whites, which resulted in the hopelessness that was prevalent in the Black community. Biko preached Black solidarity to “break the chains of oppression”.

Steve Biko's activism soon drew the attention of the police. He was put under house arrest and when he broke the draconian laws, he was arrested and held in prison for twenty-four days where he was interrogated, starved, and brutally beaten. On September 12, 1977, Biko became the forty-first person in South Africa to die while being held in the custody of the South African Police.

Bonga Chiliza

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July 12, 2006

Collective exchange of ideas

The YMCA World Council continued its deliberations in African style and tradition with an Indaba dinner, based on the theme of building communities in multi-religious and multi-ethnic contexts.

Indaba, which in Zulu means the 'collective exchange of ideas for action', is based on the traditional process of conversations and advice, explained President Caesar Molebatsi. The end result being that the decision of the Chief will reflect the will of the people. Great historical figures, such as Shaka, the founder of the Zulu Nation, used this process. 'A wonderful African tradition', it is a way for the delegates to 'make up [their] minds of what is and what is to become of [the YMCA]' said Rev. Molebatsi.

The delegates were invited over dinner to share stories of their personal experiences of multi-religious and multi-ethnic contexts, and discuss the impact of this experience on them and their communities. Following dinner, Dr. Andrea Riccardi of the Saint Egidio community outlined his vision for Christians living in a modern, multi-religious, multi-ethnic world, which was one of sharing, love, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, not of isolated Christian communities. He opened by describing 'living with others' as 'the problem of our times', and questioned whether 'we are destined to clash' or 'can learn to live together.' He drew on the scriptures, reminding his audience that Paul the Apostle told his followers to 'be vigilant, brave and strong, and let everything you do be done in love.'

Two young speakers, Lightness Salema from Tanzania and Erlip Vitarsa Tarsisius from Indonesia, spoke of their experiences with Saint Egidio in their communities. For Lightness this includes visits to hospitals, orphanages, the elderly and work with street children. Erlip spoke of the 'invisible walls of fear and mistrust' between the Muslim and Christian communities in his country, and how the Saint Egidio School of Peace helps to bridge such divides.

In the modern world, Dr. Riccardi explained, 'war is theorised as an instrument to solve problems, but this is not a Christian stance.' He passionately pleaded that since 'the YMCA has a great history, it must be a sign of hope, and be made up of women and men with hearts…In circumstances when there are no men or women around', he explained, 'then Christians must be real men and women with open hearts.'

Lewis Turner, Wales

July 11, 2006

Welcome to South Africa / Siyanemukela eMnzansi Afrika


Rev. Caesar Molebatsi

Welcome to the rainbow nation, the land of freedom fighters like Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, Desmond Tutu, Thabo Mbeki, Beyers Naude, Mamphele Ramphele, the writers like Nadine Gordimer, Alan Paton, and our current World Alliance President, the renowned civil society leader, Rev Caeser Molebatsi.

In this bulletin we will be highlighting some of these leaders. Nelson Mandela is a leader in the struggle for human rights. Mandela was jailed for 27 years on Robben Island by the apartheid government. After his release he championed the drive for reconciliation among different races. He then formed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This was effectively used for catharsis and brought healing to many people of our country. We are now proud to say that we embrace diversity. We are proud to say that we have 11 official languages. We have peacefully overcome apartheid and now building our new democracy.

And more specifically welcome to the province of KwaZulu Natal and Durban.

Durban is known as South Africa's playground. Because of its pleasant weather, it is the only city where a major international surfing competition takes place in winter. Durban is also famous for its curry. One cannot leave without tasting lamb curry or a dish called breyani.

Our president, Thabo Mbeki has been in the forefront of the promotion of the African Renaissance. He has proclaimed this century as the African century. This is the dawn of a new era for Africa. It is thus fitting that we have our 16th World Council here, 33 years after the adoption of the Kampala Principles which calls the YMCA to work on social development.

Bonga Chiliza

National Youth Committee Chair of the South African YMCA

….

Bienvenidos y bienvenidas a Sud Africa

Siyanemukela eMnzansi Afrika

Bienvenidos/as a la nacion arcoiris, la tierra de luchadores por la libertad como Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, Desmond Tutu, Thabo Mbeki, Beyers Naude, Mamphele Ramphele, escritoras como Nadine Gordimer, Alan Paton, y nuestro presidente de la Alianza Mundial, el conocido lider social Caeser Molebatsi.

En este boletin resaltaremos la obra de algunos de estos lideres. Nelson Mandela es un luchador por los derechos humanos. Mandela estuvo encarcelado durante 27 años en la Isla Robben por el gobierno del apartheid. Luego de su liberacion, encabezo la lucha por la reconciliacion entre las diferentes razas. Luego formo la Comision de la Verdad y la Reconciliacion. Esta fue utilizada como un mecanismo para sanar las heridas de nuestro pueblo. Ahora tenemos el orgullo de decir que reconocemos y celebramos la diversidad. Tenemos el orgullo de decir que tenemos 11 idiomas oficiales. Hemos logrado superar el apartheid de manera pacifica y estamos ahora construyendo una nueva democracia.

Mas especificamente, queremos darles la bienvenida a la provincia de KwaZulu Natal y Durban. Debido a su clima agradable, es la unica ciudad donde se realiza una gran competencia de surf durante el inverno. Durban es tambien famoso por su curry. No pueden dejar Durban sin saborear el curry de Borrego o el plato denominado breyani.

Nuestro presidente, Thabo Mbeki ha promovido el Renacimiento de Africa. Ha proclamado que este siglo sera el Siglo de Africa. Este es el nacimiento de una nueva era para Africa. Por ello, es justo realizar nuestro XVI Consejo Mundial aqui, 33 años despues de la aprobacion de la Declaracion de Kampala que convoca a la ACJ a trabajar por el desarrollo social.

Bonga Chiliza

Presidente Comite Nacional de Jovenes de la ACJ de Sud Africa

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July 11, 2006

World Youth Council

This week has seen the coming together of over 200 young people from 50 countries at the 2006 World Youth Council. The event has focused on the World Council's theme of Ubuntu - I am because we are.

Through learning from each other's experiences and from the experiences in South Africa, delegates have learnt about transformational leadership This knowledge will be taken to their local YMCAs equipping them to transform the social and economic realities in their communities.

Over three days participants have been challenged through discussion around globalisation, gender justice and community building and have had the opportunity to hear inspirational speeches and poetry from South Africans Mr. Litepe Maisela and Ms. Musa Njoko. Visits to community programmes such as homes for HIV orphans and house building programmes for low income families have allowed delegates to see the true issues that are affecting South Africa. By facing these realities delegates were able to see at first hand that something really needs to be done to help restore peoples dignity.

"Today's visit made me understand Ubuntu and reminds me of the importance of spirituality in the YMCA. A wonderful experience, precious for me as a person and a young leader" (Aleksandar Kirkovsity, YMCA Macedonia)

The experience of the youth council has energised delegates to advocate the need for a higher representation of young people in the international YMCA Movement. Discussions over the priorities of the World Alliance Youth Committee for the next four years have been heavily debated leading to some passionate discussions and interactive work groups.

Troy O'leary from the YMCA USA captures the views of all the empowered youth delegation: "I overheard a delegate today say: 'We have no choice but to take action - either willingly or unwillingly we have taken on the responsibility to take our new found inspiration, knowledge, experience and learning back to our home"

Unbuntu - striving together for life and peace!

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July 04, 2006

Youth Council Pre-Event

First impressions: diary of a youth delegate (3 July 2006)

Yesterday YMCA delegates from the UK, Australia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Canada, Japan, South Africa and many more countries arrived at the Durban YMCA for "Youth Justice in Action," a pre-event aimed at younger leaders coming to the Youth and World Councils 2006.

After enduring journeys of up to twenty hours, all delegates actively participated in the first afternoon's events, which began with an orientation exercise. Here, delegates were asked to write a letter to themselves about the goals they would like to achieve as a result of Youth Justice in Action. The letters will be posted to members who will read them again on their journey home back to their own countries as a reminder that if they do nothing after all they have learnt in South Africa and through other delegates, nothing will have been achieved.

Each delegate was asked to commit to start at least one initiative, together with a delegate from another country, by the end of the event.

Ntokozo Mthembu, an ex-politician and now a political activist, came to meet the YMCA delegates to give us an overview of the history of South Africa and its social issues and also to tell us a bit about his own history and why he resigned from his political party, enabled the YMCA members to gain an understanding about the problems in South Africa and how they came to be problems in his country.

Performances followed, with dances from a group of young boys that attend Durban YMCA. It was very funny as, in actual fact, the group of dancers that had been asked to perform didn't arrive in time and the boys, somehow believing that they were entering a dance-competition, filled in for them! They performed to a range of music by African groups and even American boy-bands.

Delegates were then introduced to their 'Buddys', who are local South Africans kindly allowing one or two delegates a place in their own home for the coming two days to allow the us to experience, first-hand, a South African household. The delegates and our buddys will also be visiting work-placements together, which include voluntary HIV/AIDS counselling, working in a hostel for ex-offenders and outreach to the poor.

Dinner was served before a night of cultural entertainment by a large group of young people ranging from the ages of 6 to their early teens, coming from KwaMeshu YMCA, a township in the north of Durban. The dancers were very, very, very energetic (no exaggeration there!). The room was buzzing with excitement and the children's enthusiasm was truly infectious, resulting in many of the members going up and dancing with them near the end of their performance. Many of the members who were feeling the wave of exhaustion resulting from many hours of travelling and a full afternoon of activities were able to forget their exhaustion and dance the evening away, even after the dancers had left the building! Guaranteed, the majority of members had a sound sleep in the Durban YMCA that night, which is very fortunate, as breakfast is served at half-past six in the morning!

Janan Akkad

YMCA Wales

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June 30, 2006

World Council Exhibition voted Pick of the Week

South Africa's Mail and Guardian paper gave a glowing review of a joint YMCA / Ethekwini Municipality photograph exhibition currently showing at Durban Art Gallery:

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