Bakwena, who is the holder of a thirty year concession contract with the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) to manage, maintain and upgrade the N1 and N4 roads, is committed to investing in various initiatives along the N1 and N4 to promote growth in the surrounding communities. Their four main focus areas include Road Safety, Health, Environment & Heritage & Socio Economic Development.
There is evidence that South African youths engage in risky drinking behaviour which can lead to harmful consequences in terms of traffic injuries, violence, risky sexual behaviour, interpersonal violence and long term health consequences. To ensure that youth are empowered, the South African Red Cross assisted with a Peer Education programme during the drama camps.
Bakwena’s drama project has two main objectives. The first is to engage with youth in regard to understanding the risks of drinking alcohol and the importance of making thoughtful decisions while still young. The other objective is to provide a platform where a group of young people can explore the powerful impact of drama on their own development and in conveying a social message.
This is the 4th year that Bakwena has successfully managed this project. Two final events were held whereby learners got an opportunity to show their drama plays to not only their peers but also their parents and community members. The first event was held in Lehurutshe on the 16 September and included 8 schools, namely Ramotshere, NR Mandela, Zeerust Hoërskool Ramatu, Zeerust Combined, Ikageleng, Ntebogang & Ngotwane. The second event was held in Mooi Nooi on the 24th September and included 9 schools, namely: Machadam, Swartruggens Intermediate, Moedwil, Thuto ke Maatla, Reebone, Mogale, St Teresa, Michael Modisakeng, Johane Mokolobetsi
Spokesperson for Bakwena, Charmaine van Wyk expands: “This Drama Project is just one of many projects that uplifts the lives of those communities that reside along the N1 and N4 corridor. Bakwena would like to thank the teachers, facilitators, officials and last but not least the stars of the show, the children who put together meaningful dramas about the challenges they are faced with on a daily basis.