HUMANSDORP – Young people from KwaNomzamo in Humansdorp and surrounding areas gathered at Lungiso High School on Youth Day for a community event aimed at encouraging positive life choices through sport, education and community engagement.
The event was organised by the non-profit organisation Ubuhlanti Community Development Centre in collaboration with local stakeholders to commemorate National Youth Day and honour the legacy of the youth who fought for education rights on 16 June 1976.
Retired social worker and secretary of Ubuhlanti Community Development Centre, Dr Nontsikelelo Majola, said the organisation was established in response to challenges affecting the community.
As previously reported, the organisation was established in October 2024 after Majola moved back to Humansdorp and noticed various negative elements within the community.
The organisation was officially registered in January 2025 and focuses on fighting vandalism and gangsterism while creating opportunities that encourage positive development among the people of KwaNomzamo.
Majola said the Youth Day programme was designed to inspire young people to focus on positive aspects of life, particularly through sport.
“Many young people face challenges such as gangsterism, drug abuse and unemployment,” said Majola.
She said that the day began with a performance by the Harmony Brass Band Community Youth from Arcadia before soccer matches got underway.
Eight soccer teams, including one from Jeffreys Bay, participated in the tournament, while four netball teams also took part.
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman attended the event and delivered what organisers described as a “world of possibilities” to the youth.
During his address, he highlighted the achievements of local sportsmen such as golfer James Kamte and Springbok rugby player Manie Libbok as examples of what can be achieved through dedication and perseverance.
According to Majola, the mayor also sponsored a new soccer kit for the Ubuhlanti Soccer Team, which was officially handed over to the coach, Hlumelo Mahe, much to the excitement of the young players.
In a Facebook post following the event, Bornman thanked the organisers for the successful celebration.
“A special word of thanks to Ubuhlanti and Dr Majola for hosting a very successful Youth Day event in KwaNomzamo. Initiatives such as these play an important role in inspiring, empowering and supporting our young people, while reminding them that their future is full of possibilities,” said Bornman.
Majola further said that the programme also featured a speaker from Correctional Services who advised young people against crime based on his own experience after serving a 15-year sentence.
Representatives from the IEC encouraged youth to register to vote on 4 November, while the Department of Health offered HIV testing and screening for chronic health conditions.
Majola said that children attending the event were also entertained with activities including a parachute rocket, mechanical bull and shooting game.
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