Hard work, perseverance, dedication and effective time management have paid off for a young Limpopo community builder, who is the best overall youth development officer in the province.

Premier Sello Moloto and Limpopo’s MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture bestowed special awards to Lutendo Lalumbe (30) of Thohoyandou during the 2006 Limpopo Youth Awards (LIMYA) recently held at Oasis Lodge, Polokwane.

Lutendo is the Coordinator for HIV/Aids and Youth matters in the Thulamela Municipality. He received two trophies, two certificates and R10 000, which will be used for youth development projects in the Thulamela Municipality. He was crowned the Limpopo Young Achiever of the Year during the function.

LIMYA is a brainchild of the SABC Radio’s Phalaphala FM and the Limpopo Youth Commission. It is a motivational package that focuses its resources on the preservation of the Limpopo young corporate achievers between the ages 16 and 35. Nominations were made from young community builders in the government sector, municipalities, private institutions, business sector and non-government organizations.

Lutendo’s main job includes liaising with youth structures in the municipality on youth development projects. He also initiates and monitors HIV/Aids projects and awareness campaigns and ensures that youth health matters are taken into consideration within the Thulamela Municipality. He also makes sure that the youths are aware of useful government services and how they can access them with ease.

The zealous Lutendo says he is happy that his hard work has been recognized at last. “When I was nominated, I never thought that I would make it to the top. For me to be the Best Overall Youth Community Builder and the Limpopo Young Achiever of the Year is a dream come true. I am also grateful because I have also put the Thulamela Municipality on the map.”

Lutendo says he dedicates the awards to the Thulamela Municipality and the youths who made it possible for him to achieve his objectives without difficulty.

“By employing me, the Thulamela Municipality has given me the platform to realize my potential. The youths in the Thulamela Municipality have always been supportive and their support made me what I am today…”

The Mayor of Thulamela Municipality, Khosi Thivhulawi Makumbane is highly impressed with Lutendo’s achievements. He said Lutendo should be a role model from whom all the youths must learn.

“He is the shining star of this municipality and his hard work deserves the awards. We are proud of him because he is bringing positive results in the improvement of life among our youths. We hope the awards will encourage other youths to work hard for the development of their future…”

*Among others, stakeholders who received awards during the function were the Premier’s Office, Departments of Health and Social Development, Sports, Arts and Culture, Transport and Thulamela, Makhado, Polokwane and Mutale Municipalities. Private and public entities included Trade and Investment Limpopo, LIMDEV, Coca Cola and SAB.