POLOKWANE – Pholwana Kgatla (18) born in Botlokwa, currently residing in Mankweng and Thato Sekhu (22), born in Pretoria and currently residing in Polokwane CBD, have developed a movement aimed at empowering the youth and pushing them in the right direction towards success.

Kgatla, who is currently doing his Gr.12 at Flora Park Comprehensive High School, said that he and his partner noticed how most of their peers sit on their talents in the name of appeasing their parents and the community, which results in them not succeeding at all in life or living an unhappy life.

“Run Turf is a social movement that aims at developing and improving the talents of the youth in local communities nationwide. We have different departments that we focus on, namely: modelling, designing and clothing customisation, music, photography, events management and marketing, where we source and scout for talents in those departments to keep the youth involved, engaged and active in their lives,” he explained.

The movement was formed in 2015, and this year they say they will be hosting an event, aimed at helping those Gr. 12 learners who struggle financially, to further their studies.

“We are merely trying to help make sure that the youth gets educated irrespective of their economic background. We are aiming at raising enough funds so that we help the class of 2017 from poor backgrounds, with registration fees, fees, accommodation as well as transportation costs that they may face in tertiary,” said Kgatla.

Kgatla, who plans to study Business &Entrepreneurship Management next year, is also a self-taught seamstress and makes Run-Turf’s branded shirts and sweaters using a sewing machine that he borrows, as he cannot afford to purchase one.

Thato Sekhu who is the president of Run-Turf movement, deals with the marketing aspects of the movement and said that when they began the movement, they wanted to ensure, as well as inspire every individual to be proud of where they come from and not forget their roots.

“The word ‘Run’ doesn’t literally mean being the number one ‘Top Dog’ in your area, but is more aligned with teaching the youth to embrace the beauty of where they come from. We also aim to end poverty in rural areas by making donations of food and clothing to those individuals who struggle to make ends meet. Apart from that, we look to foster social, spiritual and academic issues faced by students,” said Sekhu.

Sekhu also said that they are looking forward to working with big brands such as Dstv Irock Music Festival, as well as South African Modeling Youth Forum (SAMYF), as he knows that they will benefit greatly from such a partnership, as well as grow as young entrepreneurs in the province.

Reporter29@nmgroup.co.za