A KNOCK-OUT EFFORT 

Cuma Pantshwa

• Berlin November, a vibrant and culturally rich function now in its 11th year, combines entertainment with social upliftment, featuring an array of activities from music to horse racing, while also showcasing essential community services by the Department of Social Development (DSD).
• The DSD Village, a key initiative at the function, provides critical services, including support for SASSA grant inquiries, guidance for non-profit organisations, and awareness campaigns on pressing issues like substance abuse and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), emphasising the department’s dedication to meeting communities at their point of need.
• The event highlights efforts in youth development, with local initiatives like the Mdantsane Open Boxing Organisation promoting discipline and steering young people away from substance abuse, while also fostering collaboration between the government, communities, and organisations to address systemic challenges like child protection and GBV.

It is a bright and sunny Saturday in Berlin, a small town on the outskirts of East London. The air is buzzing with excitement as the town comes alive for Berlin November, now in its 11th year. This highly anticipated event is set to welcome over a thousand attendees, including music lovers, fashion enthusiasts, and horse racing fans.

At this year’s occasion, Berlin November continues its tradition of blending entertainment with community upliftment. Attendees are invited to enjoy the vibrant festivities while also engaging with critical social programmes brought to them by the Department of Social Development. Among the highlights is the Department of Social Development’s (DSD) “DSD Village,” an outreach hub providing essential services and promoting healthy lifestyles—a testament to the department’s commitment to empowered and thriving communities.

Under the theme “Meeting People at Their Point of Need,” Mr Bathembu Futshane, Acting Chief Director at DSD, explains: “We’re here with critical services such as an on-site SASSA help desk for grant inquiries, guidance for non-profit organisations (NPOs) navigating compliance and deregistration challenges, as well as Victim Empowerment services. One of the focal areas is an awareness campaign on substance abuse, a pressing issue impacting many South African families.”

Statistics reveal that South Africa holds the unwelcome title of one of the riskiest nations for alcohol consumption. This has devastating consequences for young people, who face addiction, health crises, and loss of life. To address this, the DSD Village has introduced the “DRY ZONE,” an alcohol-free space promoting the joy of connection and celebration without the need for alcohol. Elevated near the DRY ZONE was a symbol of hope and resilience: a boxing ring.

“Boxing is a part of our culture,” says Ms. Nomphelo Makhephula, a passionate referee, judge, mentor, and part of the Executive Members of the Mdantsane Open Boxing Organisation. She says the vision of the organisation is to teach children key life skills and steer them away from the dangers of substance abuse and off the streets. “It keeps our children disciplined because if you are a boxer, you do not smoke or drink,” she added, noting that children are taught to abstain from sex. She emphasised that boxing is a sport rooted in transformation, camaraderie, and gives young participants a sense of purpose.

Adding to her excitement, she says grooming young people through sport is deeply embedded in Mdantsane’s rich boxing legacy, which has earned the title of South Africa’s boxing capital. Over the years, the township has produced national and international champions, including legendary names like Vuyani “The Beast” Bungu, Welcome Ncita, and Masibulele “Hawk” Makepula, among many others. Chuckling and beaming with passion, she says, “Boxing is a street sport in Mdantsane. All the world champions started boxing from the streets or in the classrooms of Mdantsane’s schools.”

Mr Siphiwo Mangxola, Treasurer in the organisation and passionate about youth development, highlighted the challenges most communities face in protecting children and sustaining their efforts. “The lack of recreational facilities is a huge hindrance—where can they go?” he asked. “Children need to be kept busy, and when there is nobody looking after them, that’s when they drop out of school and fall into harmful patterns.” He emphasised the importance of government and community collaboration in addressing these systemic issues, including ensuring safe spaces for youth engagement and development.

Weighing in on the issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Mr. Mangxola said, “We need to understand what the root causes of GBV are because it’s such a complex issue. One thing I am certain of is that people who abuse substances and drugs perpetuate this violence. What do we do to minimise it? Through boxing, we’re keeping young people away from these harmful substances. Training changes their lifestyle—diet changes, mindset changes, and it gives them structure.”

He also shared his candid perception of horse racing, admitting he had always associated it with frivolity and alcohol consumption. “I used to think of horse racing as just parties and drinking, but what DSD has brought here is a completely different element. For that, I am truly impressed,” he said.

Ms Makhephula, in conclusion, called for more collaboration with the government. “We have kids who are representing the province and some representing the country – we are grooming champions,” and remarked that being a part of the DSD Village and having DSD at Berlin November shows the much-needed support and unified efforts from locals and government. “It gives us hope that we are not alone in addressing the challenges we face as a community.”