Over 150 children and teenagers packed Rabie Ridge Stadium, as the City of Johannesburg Region A sport and recreation department rolled out its annual school holiday programme, aimed at keeping learners active and off the streets.

The three-day programme, which began at Kanana Primary School on March 30, made its second stop at Rabie Ridge Stadium on March 31, and is set to conclude at Nokuphila Primary School on April 1.

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Learners and teenagers from the community took part in a range of sporting activities, including netball, football, volleyball, basketball, tennis ball games, and hula hoops, as organisers turned the school holiday into a lively day of exercise, teamwork, and fun.

The programme was led by Nozibele Zulu and Ndivhuwo Musho, from the sport and recreation department, with support from other local stakeholders, including Tshwaranang Prevention and Awareness Treatment Centre, which used the opportunity to encourage young people to stay away from substance abuse and seek help when needed.

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Zulu said the initiative is designed to give children a safe and productive space to spend their school holidays. “Today, we are here at Rabie Ridge Stadium for our holiday programme, where children are taking part in different sports activities. We have basketball, netball, soccer, tennis ball games, hula hoops, and more.

“We do this every time schools close, because we want to keep our children safe and away from the streets, where they can be exposed to negative influences. By bringing them together through sport, we are helping to develop them and keep them active in a positive environment.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth Young netballers bring energy and fun to the City of Johannesburg’s school holiday programme at Rabie Ridge Stadium on March 31. Video: Comfort Makhanaya #caxtonlocalmedia #johannesburg #newsupdate #2026 #Sportsnews #Communitynews #Midrand ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Tshwaranang Prevention’s Mthuthuzeli Sithole said the programme offered the perfect platform to speak to children and teenagers about the dangers of drugs and substance abuse. “Our role is to educate children, teenagers, and even adults about the dangers of using drugs.

“Today, we are here to show the children that they can have fun without substances, without drugs, and without peer pressure. The focus today is simply to create a safe environment where they can enjoy themselves and make positive choices.”

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