The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, has announced the new national steering committee of social cohesion advocates (SCA). Social Activist, Yusuf Abramjee, will chair the body. His deputies are Vinolia Mabele and Dr Cresencia Nyathi. Edwin Cleophas was elected Secretary-General and Dr Balungile Zondi spokesperson.
Mr Edwin Cleophas is a Social Justice Activist, and he specializes in matters related to Anti-Racism, Diversity & Inclusion, Youth Empowerment and Community Development. He is the Managing Director of an NPC called The Social Justice Agency (TheSJA).
Dr Cresencia Nyathi is a Human Rights Project Coordinator at Africa Unite and an entrepreneur. She holds a PhD in Management Sciences specializing in Peace Building (Durban University of Technology). Her current work and research interests include youth in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Ms Vinolia Mabele is a dynamic entrepreneur, actress, multi-award-winning philanthropist and Ms UN International 2019. She is the founder of African Ambassador, a programme which promotes Pan Africanism amongst youth, and the founder of the young women empowerment programme called Face of Mansi.
Dr Balungile Zondi is a PhD scholar in Anthropology at UKZN.
She also specializes in sociology, community development, and good governance, as well as in public policy. Dr Zondi is an experienced humanitarian activist and has 18 years of experience working with communities.
The Minister thanked the outgoing steering committee chaired by Acting Chairperson Ms Xoliswa Bam.
“I’m happy we bolstered the National Steering Committee in doing its work. Since the ill-health of Commissioner Angie Makwetla, Mam Bam and her colleagues ensured that the work carried on.”
“Addressing our Social Cohesion Advocates, I emphasized the urgency of this work given the fault-lines that still remain. The observations made in the 25-Year Review & the High-Level Panel chaired by former President Kgalema Motlanthe will remain.”
He emphasized the need for the SCA to be taken to all parts of the country. Minister Mthethwa congratulated the new executive and wished them well.
Abramjee said, “there was a lot of work ahead. We have to tackle issues such as racism, xenophobia, GBV, and other ills. We have to promote the philosophy of active citizenry.”