Politics without Principles,
Wealth without Work;
Pleasure without conscience;
Knowledge without Character;
Commerce without Morality;
Science without Humanity;
Worship without Sacrifice.
In fear of destruction the following association was established.
Uthaka Brain Power Association (UBPA) is a product of some intense efforts and negotiations amongst the founding members. The idea to form such an Association was necessitated by the conditions existing at Wakkerstroom at the time. Conditions of poverty; imbalanced distribution of resources at Seme Municipal District, lack of tangible development, passive youth, abuse of alcohol and other intoxicating substances, pity crimes, teenage pregnancy; were but some of the conditions that called for the founding members to caucus on the formation of UBPA.
The founding members themselves were a diverse pool of young people from Wakkerstroom. The only thing they had and shared in common was the love of Wakkerstroom and the fact that they were all products of Uthaka Secondary School. The majority of them were already successful in higher education and training, whilst a few were successful in the world of work and employment. It is a known fact that Wakkerstroom does not give a lot of opportunities to its youth and the consequence of this is that after matric the once dedicated students who had a potential to become anything and everything they wanted face the reality of frustration arising from the conditions and the environment in which they find themselves in. The only hope is to escape in pursuit of better opportunities and greener pastures. Alas, some do not even have a relative out of Wakkerstroom, or perhaps that relative is not willing to provide shelter for them. What else can then the young people do?
UBPA understanding these challenges wanted to bring some form of change. The members of UBPA having lived in Wakkerstroom for the greater part of their lives knew that the real problem was not that the youth of Wakkerstroom was not talented, gifted, hardworking and wise. The problem was that the youth did not have infomation as to how to use their talents, gifts and wisdom. UBPA undertook to provide that information. The nature and composite of the UBPA was that most of the information they could give was educational in nature. This was so because the founders were as follows:
Thulani Nkosi - a graduate with a Bachelor of Arts {BA} (Political Studies and International Relations) [Wits]. By the time the UBPA came into force on the 23rd of February 2008 at the University of Johannesburg, this graduate was pursuing his post-graduate qualification in law (LLB at Wits and was in his penultimate year) He was elected unanimously as the first Chairperson (Chair) of UBPA. He describes himself as critical in thought, articulate in engagement, fluent in speech, understanding in nature, confident and down to earth. He does not profess to feed the hungry; cloth the poor, but believes everybody deserves a break. He understands liberal democracy as a political process or dispensation that (or should) guarantees equal opportunities but not equal outcomes. He sees himself as a commentator and an analyst. He has published many opinions on a wide range of topics in the main stream media.
Bongani Mntambo - a graduate in waiting. This member was registered for a bachelor of education (BEd)[ FET] at the University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Campus. On the 23rd of February 2008 when UBPA was properly formed, this member was also doing his penultimate year in education. He was elected as the first Secretary General (SG) of UBPA. He had always been a key figure and member of UBPA. The name Uthaka Brain Power was coined by him, and the associates decided to add the "Association" so to create Uthaka Brain Power Association. He has sacrificed some of his close friends and allies to remain a staunch member, supporter and defender of UBPA. Perhaps it will not be too far fetched if it were to be argued that this member is a worshiper of UBPA and his dedication towards it is but a small token of the sacrifices he may make for UBPA. UBPA has however, groomed this member on the finer details of leadership, particularly the importance of collective leadership.
Fezeka Nkwanyana - a graduate in waiting. This member was registered for a Bachelor of Medicine (MBB Ch) at the University of the Witwatersrand. She is attributed with the edge that is expected of all Witsies, and enomous potential. At the formation of UBPA she was doing her 4th year in Medicine. The idea to form UBPA or an association like it was originally coined by her. She did not stop there but also called the first informal meetings that ultimately led to the formation of UBPA. To pronounce her leadership qualities and the desire to be the voice of the voiceless, this member in the year UBPA was formed (2008) ran for the Medical Students' Council and was elected making UBPA proud. At the Medical Students' Council she was a treasurer, at UBPA she was the first Deputy Chairperson (DC). She appears shy but do not be fooled she is no easy target. At UBPA she also co-headed the 1st portfolio of projects and Campaigns.
Sihle Mngomezulu - one of UBPA's best members. The work this lad has done for UBPA is not always reported on nor is it always held in high esteem. At the formation of UBPA this member was only doing his 2nd year of study at the University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Campus. He was registered for the Bachelor of Education (BEd) and makes no secrete of his love for tourism. A year prior to UBPA formally formed, this member was amongst the leading members that gave lessons at Uthaka Secondary. He availed himself diligently, daily and with enthusiasm assisted where he could. He is a very considerate guy. He believes in sharing the little he has. He has not only attended every single meeting UBPA has ever held but also did his part in those meetings. He even provides lunch for the members out of his own pocket and awaits no compensation in return. He is accredited for adding the "association" part to our name. Together with the SG, this member headed the 1st ever portfolio of Entertainment and Recreation.
Nozipho Khumalo - a graduate in waiting. This is the iron lady of UBPA. At formation she was also registered for a Bachelor of Medicine (MBB CH) at the Medical University of South Africa (Medunsa). On the day of formation she travelled from Pretoria just to make it to the meeting at the University of Johannesburg. She has been rebelious at times, but always obeys and abides to the rules of UBPA. This member trully understands that the benefit for the many often comes at a great price of personal sacrifice. She was elected the 1st Treasurer General (TG)/ Organiser of UBPA. Together with the Chairperson, she also co-headed the 1st portfolio of education. She is often the voice of reason and sense in UBPA, and the only person stopping the UBPA from becoming a "boys only club". She is accredited for asking for divine intervention on behalf of UBPA every opportunity she gets.
Innocent Mlambo - a graduate in waiting. A true dark horse of UBPA. At formation this member was also registered for a Bachelor of Education (BEd) at the University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park. UBPA know him as a guy with a mixed bag of fortunes. If he is going to get there his most likely going to be late and casual about it. Together with the DC, he co-headed the portfolio of campaigns and projects.
Wonder Mtshali - a true ball of energy for UBPA. At the time of formation this member was doing his 2nd year of his Diploma in Marketing at the University of Johannesburg, Bunting Road Campus. He was elected the 1st Deputy Secretary General (DSG) of UBPA. He is the co-head of Media and Publicity.
Lindokuhle Shabalala - a work horse of UBPA. Because of the nature and location of the members of UBPA, UBPA takes decisions on what projects it wants to do, and this member implements. She is forever at the firing line, taking the real risks for UBPA. She is UBPA's only link with its constituency. She is employed and brings a different dimension to UBPA, that young people can make an honest living.
Nesta Mabuza - a voice of encouragement. She stands afield and encourages the UBPA to wither any storm and leap on. She is also employed.
Sphamandla Ntshangase - a distant fellow that UBPA still expects a lot from. At formation he was working towards a qualification in Information Technology (IT). He narrowly missed out to Wonder for the position of DSG. He co-heads the portfolio of Media and Publicity with Wonder.
Jabulani Mlambo -Distance and Mountains have failed to make this member a renegade of UBPA.
These are the founding men and women of UBPA. UBPA is accredited for helping Uthaka Secondary School reach its highest matric pass rate of 75% in 2007. That 75% was achieved under trying times as that year we saw educators taking to the streets. UBPA will continue struggling to bring change to lives of the youth of Wakkerstroom.
Compiled by Thulani Nkosi
Chairperson of UBPA
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