Lets put smiles on children's faces--- supported by students from Oskarsgymnasium, Oskarshamn, Sweden

Malin, above ( first photo) , a student of Oskarsgymnasium , Oskarshamn, Sweden was  moved by the plight of our preschools  (ECDs) in rural community during her visit in February 2011. She, together with two other friends made it their mission  to raise money for educational toys for Tandumntwana Preschool in Nyandezulu. The toys  and educational items  were delivered on 26th January.

Rueben and Dudu in the photo above are two committee members of the Association.

Our Association was humbled by this kind gesture. Our sincere thanks goes towards those that had supported Malin's project, not forgetting, Ake Nilsson and Mats.

 Gulshera

Proudly Twinning , Proudly Time Travel Project!

100 years of celebration for our freedom, a remarkable milestone in the history of any institution. Our Association supported this momentous occasion. Thank you Judy, Rueben, Thulas, Gary and Sipho.

100 Years of Celebration for our Freedom

Hi dear friends.
I wish I could be down there now.
I also have so many memories from the struggle and so many friends that no longer are with us.
But also a lot that are and it would have been so fun to celebrate with all of them.
Port Shepstone came in to my life with my first visit 1992, even if it was a short visit.
I congratulate you all that participated under difficult times.
You are all my heroes.
Love.
Comrade Tormod

Poem composed by Gulshera
100 year local celebration for freedom and democracy
In going through the foto of Micheal Nsimbi,
I remember our first meeting day, quietly his strong embrace   his home, Cosatu.
His commitment for freedom of workers
For a better life for all
He died so suddenly , uncalled for

George Mbele, I worried about ur diet
But you died not from this ,
The day of announcement on the radio
Sent shock waves to the entire community
Your strong leadership and presence will never be forgotten

Ray Nkonyeni, you produced many leaders
You were a role model
You stood firm even when your home was bombed
Forever, I salute u

Adam, you embraced all
You accepted all religions
You remained humble
With no status or symbol,
You spoke of early tough days


We remember the many hundreds that never seen today
But you will forever be remembered
We must hold on to these memories
For it will lead us to  effect the change we want to see

Free of corruption, free of fraud
Delivery, delivery to the masses

gulshera
13 jan 2012

Floyd - No More

Dear Twinning Members and Supporters

I was looking for our Floyd this morning,  ( far right) as we need his involvement for the ANC celebration tomorrow.

Learnt  from his colleagues and confirmed with HCM that he passed away on 11 Oct 2011. I am in a state of shock and all old twinning members that knew him so well will also be very, very sad.

 He was a delegate with Kays delegation in 1996 , together with Dudu and Bonny. He is one of the biggest success stories in twinning.He was a street child. When we started the street shelter, he progressed to be the Child Care worker We empowered him ,as Twinning . His trip to Sweden was the highlight of his life until his death.He then progressed to be employed in the Maintenance section at the municipality until his death.

 He would be  " dirty - from the trucks" that did not bother him or us . We would get the biggest Swedish hug

HIS STORY MUST BE WRITTEN, WE HAVE TO PAY THIS TRIBUTE.

Saddest news,  for this year.

Tormod pays Tribute:

Dear friends.
I´m sad to learn that Floyd is no longer among us.Remember so well when he came to Oskarshamn.
Calm, did not speak to much in the beginning. One of the first days we went to Kalmar and a dance performance.Years later we met again when i was down and Floyd and i started a dance, inspired of what we learned years ago.

Only a few understood what was happening.We also met Floyd in his work down at the street children's shelter.Dedicated and all respected him.Later i met him at a church in Gamalakhe and we spoke about life and family.A gentle man, a fine person with a lot of love for others.I do hope you will visit his family and when you do that, please tell them that we will never forget Floyd.

Our deepest thoughts to his family and friends.
May he rest in peace.

Tormod Nesset
Chairman
OSAK
Sweden

WELCOME TO 2012

The year started off early, with already requests for the Associations involvement in the centenary celebration for our freedom, democracy and human rights.

On 8th January 2012, it will be 100 years for the existence of the ANC. A political party that was initiated in 1912 to fight for its freedom , racial discrimation , democracy and human rights.  An achievement admired worldwide!

It is fitting that we too, as an Association take joy in this celebration, as it was precisely because of this that we are in existence today.

We pay tribute to Sweden, the relationship between Olof Palme and O.R Tambo and thousands that followed in both countries that stood steadfast in the quest for this freedom, died for this freedom and many survived.

 The struggle for our freedom is not over,  as with mankind, it will never be over as the needs daily  is to make a conscious effort in the fight for democracy.

We   have to  always keep the fires  burning and  hold hands with all persons, civil or political and march on in making our contribution. Our Assocaition is well placed within this context.

We also started the year with individuals from Sweden wanting to make some financial contribution/ donation to much needy projects. One of our key local project is " PUT A SMILE ON THE FACES OF CHILDREN" You will be kept informed of progress via this blog.

Welcome to all members, institutions and friends to our course: nation building, empowerment, local and international solidarity and  human rights.

Finally, we thank all persons and organisations that have made a contribution to our Association.

Gulshera Khan (gk)
Executive Committee  Member