Giant puppet brings hope

GEORGE NEWS - The streets of Thembalethu were bustling with hundreds of awed children wearing blissful smiles as they trekked along with Nana the giant puppet peddling her larger-than-life tricycle through the streets on Wednesday 11 October.

Nana recently embarked on a journey to visit various locations throughout South Africa and was met with great excitement, curiosity and tons of questions by the young learners of the area.

Her first stop was at Tyholorha Primary School where she was met by about 60 Grade 7 learners. From there she was followed to Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre.

The 5m-high puppet is one of the creations of Hoekwil artist Roger Titley, who is world famous for his creative creatures, giant puppets and live performances.

Young freelance journalist Zimkita Linyana followed Nana and the children and contributed this article to the paper. Linyana obtained her journalism degree from Rhodes University in March last year and after working for radio and bulletin writing for a year, decided to pursue journalism.Nana with the principal of Tyholorha Primary School, Samuel Debukwana, and Nadine Notier, manager of Inckubeko Youth and Science Centre.

The story behind the puppet

Nana is a puppet of a 10-year-old Zimbabwean migrant child at the centre of the #SameCampaign. She symbolises the vulnerability and immense courage of anyone who moves to another place in search of work and a better life.

The #SameCampaign strives to promote collective action and nurture a society founded on values such as respect, equality and safety for everyone.

Nana is set to journey through South-Africa on her trike, "searching for her mother" while making connections, spreading awareness, and starting conversations about the rights and stories of other migrants. The #SameCampaign aims to encourage collective action and cultivate a society based on values of respect, equality and safety for everyone.

For more information, please visit www.nana.africa