UNITY IN MOTION
By Cuma Pantshwa
- Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg buzzed with excitement as 200 young people from all nine provinces gathered for a dynamic day of sports and leadership activities, marking the second day of the Youth Month commemoration.
- Dr Pearl Mlotshwa, Director of the Youth Directorate, highlighted the programme’s focus on the transformative role of sports in youth development, underscoring its physical, mental, and social benefits.
- Participants, including Thato Namane and Siyanela Longa, shared their inspiring stories, showcasing how sports and community initiatives can empower and unite young people across South Africa.
Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg was abuzz this Friday morning as 200 young people from all nine provinces gathered for the second day of the Youth Month commemoration. Dr Pearl Mlotshwa, Director of the Youth Directorate, opened the vibrant programme by outlining the day’s activities and purpose. “We’re very excited to continue commemorating Youth Month with young people from all nine provinces. They will be engaged in football, netball, and various recreational activities. The focus is the role of sports in youth development because we understand the impact of sport in the lives of young people.”
Dr Mlotshwa enumerated the benefits of sports, extending beyond physical health to empowering young people both physically and mentally. She highlighted how sports can instil valuable life skills such as discipline, hard work, and perseverance, enabling youth to engage in entrepreneurship and leadership roles.
One such leader is 27-year-old Thato Namane, who cheered his teammates on the track. Hailing from Mafikeng, Thato has been running the Bokamoso Children Care Centre for four years. His passion for charity activities and developing vulnerable young people in his community was recognised by the Department of Social Development in 2023. Thato is also dedicated to grooming young talent through platforms like talent shows and modelling competitions. “I’m also a musician. I collaborate with some of the kids from the community and make sure their music is out there. There are many talented children in our communities; they just need us to put them in the spotlight.”
After completing her relay race, tired and out of breath but still enthusiastic about her business, is Siyanela Longa from the Eastern Cape. Reflecting on the valuable two-day programme, she confidently said, “I’m so excited, I’m a champ, and I’m going to be a champion with my business too. I was built for greatness.”
It is often said that sport has the power to change the world and inspire. It can unite people and positively impact the lives of the youth, helping them tackle the challenges they face.
The young people at Olympia Park Stadium were not only competing in various activities but also fostering new friendships and memories. Through these sports activities, the Department successfully united young people from diverse backgrounds, inspiring them to become active, confident, and compassionate leaders in their provinces and beyond.