Cape Town: City observed Youth Day sport and recreation events at several venues where hundreds of young people gathered. The participants and spectators braved the weather to join in tournaments, games and matches.
From Ravensmead to Langa, young people across Cape Town celebrated Youth Day through sport, games and community-building activities. The officials appreciated a series of events that were hosted by the Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town.
Reportedly, numerous events took place across the metro and created safe, active spaces for young people to engage in friendly competition, to have fun, and connect with others. Despite the drizzle, the day was a shining example of how sport and recreation can uplift communities and help young people to grow through positive experiences.
Youth from Ravensmead, Valhalla Park and Leonsdale came together at the Ravensmead Multi-Purpose Centre for a vibrant day of sport and play, from soccer and netball to table tennis and traditional games such as dibeke and kerem.
These indigenous games, often passed down through generations that are not only fun but a meaningful way to honour local heritage, while also encouraging an active lifestyle. This spirit of friendly competition filled the air as children learned and built skills that they would carry with them long after the final whistle.
The recreation staff and volunteers were on hand to guide the participants through techniques in soccer, netball and indigenous games, which helped them to grow physically and mentally while celebrating cultural traditions.
Just a few blocks away, there are Connaught Estate rental flats that were transformed as parking areas and became playful, positive spaces. Soccer and netball brought youth together for an afternoon of excitement and teamwork.
This event was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Human Settlements Department of the recreation team, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Social Development Department, community stakeholders, private institutions and the local ward councillor.
In Blue Downs, the Malibu sport ground hosted a primary school tournament involving schools from Mfuleni, Silversands, Happy Valley and Bardale. Here, youngsters showcased their skills on the netball and soccer fields.
The initiative, jointly hosted by Wards 108 and 114, formed part of a broader effort to use the Ward Allocation Budget for youth development. The top-performing schools received trophies, medals, and all schools received new sport equipment to support their ongoing development.
Meanwhile, the Langa Sport Precinct was a hive of activity throughout the long weekend – from Friday, right through to Youth Day on Monday – with a variety of sporting codes on offer, including soccer, hockey, boxing, handball, netball, tennis, basketball and more.
The initiative aimed to provide youth with positive, healthy alternatives while steering them away from crime and substance abuse. These events were supported through Ward Allocation funding and delivered in collaboration with various community stakeholders, including Langa Sport Council and the South African Police Service (SAPS), demonstrating how partnerships can help create safe, vibrant and engaging spaces for young people.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that sport and recreation activities are a lifeline for many of the young people.
These events offer more than just a fun day out as this was a chance to build resilience, learn teamwork and make lasting friendships in a safe, supportive environment.
Higham expressed that she want to commend all the participants, spectators and the committed staff who ensured it was true to the spirit of Youth Day. As youth month continues, the Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town remains committed to creating spaces where young people can thrive – come rain or shine.