Cape Town: Youth Day was celebrated across Cape Town on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with a range of sports, games and community activities which took place at venues throughout the city. Young people came together in safe public spaces to connect, compete and celebrate.
The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department, in partnership with ward councillors and community organisations, hosted activities in areas including Malibu, Khayelitsha, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, Lentegeur and Lotus River.
Young people from communities across the metro came together to mark Youth Day. Eight participating facilities recorded a projected combined attendance of approximately 1,800 young people.
Working alongside ward representatives and a range of community partners, the Recreation and Parks Department transformed public spaces into vibrant hubs of activity. These initiatives created safe environments where young people could connect, compete and celebrate the spirit of Youth Day.
The Youth Day celebration included:
- Maliby Sports Field in wards-108 and 114 where they hosted a high-school sports tournament that featured soccer and netball teams from the Mfuleni and Bardale communities. The tournament showcased local talent and explained important role of sports that it plays in empowering young people and fostering positive competition.
- Khayelitsha Tusong Centre and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village also arranged events, where participants were introduced to a variety of recreation games. The activities aimed at keeping young people active while celebrating Youth Day in an inclusive and enjoyable environment. They encouraged participation, teamwork and social interaction, by providing many with the opportunity to experience new games and develop valuable life skills.
- In Khayelitsha, Mandela Park Stadium came alive with soccer and netball activities. While additional Youth Day programmes in Lentegeur and Lotus River provided opportunities for young residents to engage in organised sport and activities close to home.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that it is encouraging to see that so many young people are participating in the events and are coming together for a common purpose. It also demonstrated the value that communities are placed on accessible sport and recreation programmes.
As Youth Month continues, the City of Cape Town remains committed to invest in programmes that inspire, empower and support young people. They ensured that sport and recreation continue to serve as important platforms for growth, inclusion and community development.
Success of the day’s programmes was made possible through collaboration between the City’s Recreation and Parks Department, ward councillors, community organisations, local stakeholders and other partners who continue to work together to create positive opportunities for youth.