Environmental group founder honoured for giving wings to Nelson Mandela Bay youth

The Giving Them Wings Foundation has played a pivotal role in educating Nelson Mandela Bay’s youth on the importance of protecting their environment.

And the unwavering dedication of its chief executive, Siya Ntsumpa, in achieving this mission made him the deserving winner in the Civic Society category of The Herald Nelson Mandela University Citizens of the Year 2024 Awards.

Ntsumpa, 37, from Kwazakhele, said being recognised gave them much-needed affirmation and receiving it in his hometown was one of the things that made the award extra special.

He received the good news while he was working with his team at the Isaac Booi Primary School food garden.

“I was not expecting to receive the call, even the person that nominated me never told me that they had nominated me.

“I have always thought highly of The Herald Citizen of the Year Award.

“I deem it a great victory to be of the calibre to receive the award.

“There were more moments of self-doubt [but] the win is going to help elevate me to the next level towards reaching my goals and objectives.”

The Westering High alumnus started his nonprofit organisation in 2012 and registered his NPO in 2014.

His journey started at Vukani Bantu Primary School in Motherwell NU5 in 2012/2013, working as a volunteer.

“Noticing that certain families did not have food, I decided to start an activity that would allow me to keep more children busy when there was no teacher available to educate the children.

“I started the gardening project, because I loved gardening which I learnt from my grandfather.

“The garden was a success, children grew more interested in the garden, the project got bigger.”

About four months after starting the garden, he started a recycling project.

Schools in Motherwell recognised how his project was assisting pupils from disadvantaged communities and the NPO spread to other schools.

In Motherwell, he is now working with Elufefeni Primary School, Coselelani, Ndyebo, Masiphathisane and Mfesane Senior Secondary Schools.

In Kariega, he services Verite Primary, Gamble Street Secondary and  Sunshine Special School.

In Zwide, the northern areas and New Brighton he is assisting Emsengeni Primary, Isaac Booi Primary, in Schauderville, and Paterson High School.

He recently adopted a school in Katlehong in Johannesburg through his partnership with Isuzu SA.

“I found myself being a parent to many children, my organisation attracted two types of learners, one that was academically challenged, the other that was troublesome or had challenges at home, I was able to change their behaviours.

“I changed the mindset of teachers to not see my programme as punishment for children, but as a programme that was enriching for children,” Ntsumpa said.

He structured his garden project to complement the school curriculum which allowed teachers to teach pupils outside the classroom in what he called the “Green Classroom”.

He has won a number of awards including an award from the National Youth Development Agency in the SA Youth Awards 2018, in the environment category, and in 2020 he won the Algoa FM Green Award.

“My wish is for schools to use schools as a tool that can generate partnerships especially in the locations.

“I want to take my NPO to the rest of Africa, I am currently engaging in talks of working in Malawi as well,” Ntsumpa said.

He will be celebrated at a red carpet event on Friday September 20.

HeraldLIVE