Bay set to celebrate youth in a variety of ways today

REMEMBERING the legacy of the youth of 1976 will take many forms in Nelson Mandela Bay today.

The municipality will host a day of information and entertainment at Gelvandale Stadium.

Municipal spokesman Mthubanzi Mniki said the event would not only highlight government opportunities for the youth, but also raise awareness of issues affecting youngsters.

“There will be officials from [various] departments [with] valuable information for youth development, as well as business opportunities and bursaries available for the youth.

“There will be a focus on the problems the youth face and communities [will be mobilised to take] a stand against issues like gangsterism, crime, drugs, and child and women abuse in their areas,” he said.

He said about 5 000 people were expected at the event, starting at 9am, and music, drama and dance would also be on offer.

At 7am a march against drugs, gangsterism, and child and women abuse will start at Korsten’s Jarman Community Hall, headed for Gelvandale Stadium.

A team from the ship Logos Hope, docked in Port Elizabeth, will – in conjunction with the organisation Switched On – hold a multicultural soccer competition at NMMU’s south campus from 8am.

In a five-a-side competition, 16 Port Elizabeth teams will go head-to-head for the title, starting at 8am and ending with a prizegiving at 2.30pm.

Social volleyball and a tuckshop will also be available.

Switched On chairman Rory Spence said it was hoped to demonstrate through sport how unity can be achieved.

“In a country and at a time [with] heightened political and racial tension, our desire is through sport to demonstrate to the Bay and to the nation that unity and harmony is possible between people of different cultures and language groups,” Spence said.

DA mayoral candidate Athol Trollip will be in Walmer township from noon, near a park in Wesleyan Street, speaking on job-related issues concerning the youth. There will also be a braai and music.