DURBAN - Three teenage girls gave inspirational messages to cadets at the South African Sea Cadets Training Ship Tiburon (TST) awards day, held in Durban recently.
Top awards went to Kathea Tredoux, 16, Owethu Sumayili, 17, and Nikita Stopforth, 16, for their contribution to society in different ways.
The Sea Cadet Ambassador 2022 award went to Able Seaman Tredoux for her recent achievements including earning 3rd place in the Midmar 9-hour endurance sailing event in February 2020; being placed 1st in the sailing competition in October 2021; and representing Tiburon in the mayor's parade. In March she won first place in a potjie competition. She joined the South African Sea Cadets in 2017.
The award for Overall Cadet of the Year went to Petty Officer Sumayili, who travelled from Howick on a weekly basis.
This exemplary individual was just 15 years old and in Grade 9 when she joined the Sea Cadets three years ago, and to achieve the rank of petty officer within this short space of time was described as truly remarkable.
“I also had an opportunity to train with Grindrod Shipping. What I have learnt is commitment and there is no greater commitment than waking up at 5am every weekend to be here on time with a smile on my face. I have learnt how to be a good leader. Women can lead in high positions in a man’s world. Thank you to some of the female captains that I have come across. I have made lifelong friends. I pray that others who step into Tiburon find a family here because once you have cadets as a family it becomes the fuel you need to carry on. I can guarantee this because this is what happened to me,” Owethu said.
Described as the Florence Nightingale of the TST, Leading Seaman Stopforth took the initiative from the confines of her home during the hard Covid-19 lockdown level 5 in March 2020 to assist people.
She posted a video to raise awareness of families struggling to cope without basic necessities. Her video was circulated and sufficient donations were received to enable the South African Sea Cadet Corps to feed 100 cadet families for eight months across the various provinces. For this reason, the chairperson of the board allocated her the highest award, the Meritorious award.
Stopforth said she will wear the medal with pride. She advised others that hard work pays off and that people should strive for victories.
“Take on the difficulties and challenges because it will make you stronger,” she said.
South African Ship Jalsena’s executive committee member Aron Armachund presented a donation of R7 000. The Jalsena was a training unit based at Salisbury Island in 1974. In 1992 they had an integrated approach.
Inspecting officer Captain Ian Loubsher said the cadets were also members of the international sea cadet association, where they have annual exchange programmes.
Daily News