YOUNG people from KwaSwayimane in the Midlands area of KZN had a special Youth Month celebration when they spent a day with Generations – The Legacy actor, Ronnie Nyakale.
The actor, who plays Cosmo in the soapie, gave them an opportunity to get to know him better.
The area had been in the media after a series of rape cases by young boys against old gogos.
On Saturday the local pastor, Sphamandla Vidima, hosted a Youth Day event where public figures motivated young people to be good examples to their peers. Gagasi FM’s DJ Nomfundo Mzolo and Uhlanga “The Mark” director and producer Ndaba kaNgwane were among those invited.
The young people were excited to see Cosmo face-to-face at Nkululeko Community Hall. He warned them to stay away from whoonga, nyaope and other drugs that may shorten their lives.
He also told them how drugs affected his marks at high school.
“I remember in grade 9 I was top in my class but when I started using drugs and smoking in grade 10, my March report said I had failed! I was in boarding school and in June I had to tear up my school report because I was ashamed of what my parents would say to me. Stay away from drugs because they will turn you into nothing,” warned Cosmo. The popular actor gave young people an opportunity to ask him anything they wanted to know about him.
Thandeka Ndlovu (15), who’s in grade 10, told Cosmo about her organisation, which helps needy pupils. She said: “I am happy to have seen Cosmo in person. He liked me and my organisation. I was motivated by him.”