Montclair youth unite for Mandela Day through sport

The aim of the initiative was to create sustainable opportunities for youth and strengthen communities through partnerships and collaboration.

1 minute ago

Supplied content 2 minutes read

Mbuso Cele battles for ball possession as he showcases his skills at a recent soccer match in Montclair. Photo: Andile Sithole

THE spirit of Ubuntu was on full display in Montclair as the youth joined forces for the Ubuntu Generation: Mandela Day 2026 initiative, celebrating Nelson Mandela’s legacy through community service, sport and youth empowerment on July 18.

Over 100 people dedicated their time towards making a positive impact in their community.

Also read: Wentworth march marks Youth Day

The programme started at the Montclair police station, where participants took part in a 67-minute clean-up campaign in honour of Mandela’s 67 years of public service.

Co-founder of Youth Mindset Empowerment (YME) NPC and chairperson of the Montclair CPF Youth Desk, Ntokozo Cele, together with Samkelo Sibiya (co-founder of YME), Phumlani Mkhize of the Montclair CPF Youth Desk, and Constable Nora Ndlovu of Montclair police station, led the initiative.

Amahle Mlungwana of Rebounders NC manoeuvres with the ball as opponents close in from all angles during a Mandela Day netball match. Photo: Andile Sithole

Students from MUT and DUT, whose residences are located in Montclair, joined youth from Ward 64 in rolling up their sleeves and giving back to the community.

Cele said the initiative aimed to encourage young people to become active citizens while strengthening relationships between residents, organisations and law enforcement.

Following the clean-up, participants took part in sporting activities at the Montclair sports ground.

“The focus shifted from service to sport. Soccer and netball tournaments created an atmosphere of excitement, teamwork and healthy competition among participants,” said Cele.

He said the event achieved its goal of promoting youth involvement, strengthening social cohesion and encouraging the revival of sport in Ward 64.

Also read: Community gets planting at The Bluff Showgrounds

The initiative received support from various stakeholders including:

Youth Mindset Empowerment NPC.
MetpacSA.
Yellowwood Park Ratepayers Association.
eThekwini Municipality Social and Community Development Directorate.
Area Based Management.
Ward Councillor Norman Gilbert.
Montclair police station.
Montclair CPF.
Volunteers and community members.

Cele said the Ubuntu Generation initiative was not only a Mandela Day event but part of a broader movement focused on youth development, community safety, environmental responsibility, sport and leadership.

“The initiative is about creating sustainable opportunities for young people and strengthening communities through partnerships and collaboration,” organisers said.

The Montclair CPF Youth Desk and YME have called on businesses, government departments, educational institutions, NPOs and community groups to support future initiatives through sponsorships, mentorship, resources and volunteerism.

They believe that continued collaboration can help create safer, stronger communities while empowering young people to become leaders of change.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.