SEBOKENG. – The South African Broadcasting Cooperation (SABC) recently visited Sukuma Lutsha in Zone 14, Sebokeng to see the work that they do.

The Non-Profit Organisation empowers youth to maintain healthy lifestyles and inspires and implements solutions to environmental changes. Sukuma is a Xhosa term meaning rise and Lutsha is derived from the Xhosa term Ulutsha, which means youth.

Sukuma Lutsha supports the community with the following recreational activities:

■ Create an environment for mass participation in various activities during leisure time for physical wellness and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

■ The promotion of recreational events, talent identification, and support communities to actively participate in sports and recreation events, and campaigns to help reduce prevalent lifestyle disease and enhance physical well-being.

■ Contribute towards nation-building, social cohesion, and economic growth.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, one of the founders of the organisation, Luthando Bottoman said that they also aim to keep children out of the street, discourage them from alcohol and drug abuse, and avoid early teenage pregnancy.

“We aim to promote sustainable livelihoods for sportsmen and sportswomen. We have hosted anniversary celebrations and corporate social responsibility projects, and have been invited to participate in fitness events hosted by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture. Our main aim is to be the best in our field,” Bottoman said, appreciating the visit by SABC and putting it among the best highlights of the organisation.

Bottoman further said they are developing and positioning Sukuma Lutsha to collaborate and compete with other youth empowerment programmes.

“Because we are passionate about putting 016 Vaal on the map.”