eThekwini inter-games uplift youth in sport

The games intend to create an enabling environment to promote well-being and inclusivity of communities through sport and recreation.

September 2, 2025

Andile Sithole 1 minute read

Raphael Mafara of Wentworth Raptures tries to get past his opponent at the recent inter-Ward games held at Wentworth Secondary School. PHOTOS: Andile Sithole.

THE eThekwini Municipality’s inter-Ward games were held in various areas over the weekend in a bid to promote sport at grassroots levels.

The games, comprising more than five sporting codes, were held in Wentworth and surrounding areas. The initiative focuses on youth development.

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The eThekwini Games, which were initiated in 2017, intend to create an enabling environment to promote well-being and inclusivity of communities through sport and recreation.

The games start at a Ward level, providing a platform for talent to be identified and to create opportunities for eThekwini youth.

The Basketball games were held at Wentworth Secondary School while chess and umlabalaba games were held at the Austerville Community Hall. Both events were held on August 31.

Sifiso Joshua Tukushe and Alex Uys test their chess skills at the recent inter-Ward games.

Nandipha Mlongo, Alwande Bethwana, Esihle Sibiya and Aseyanda Mvuyana played umlabalaba (African chess) at the Austerville Community Hall.

The Wentworth basketball team and Wentworth Raptures faced off against the Ward 64 Chesterville team in a highly contested match.

Themba Hlanga, Kwanda Zulu, Sithembiso Hlanga and Bandile Mbuthu, joined by co-ordinator of indigenous games Sibusiso Zungu, were ecstatic while playing umlabalaba (African chess).

After a hard-fought game, the Raptures advanced to the finals, where they went head to head with the Ward 66 Bluff team. The Raptures emerged victorious, winning the final 46-37.

Wentworth resident Alex Uys said the games play an integral part in uniting communities and encouraging young people to take part in sport.

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September 2, 2025

Andile Sithole 1 minute read

Andile Sithole

He has been covering a variety of news beats for over 10 years. As a journalist working for community newspapers, he has covered politics, court reporting, municipal stories, crime, and news features over the years. Andile is also a multimedia journalist for Southlands Sun. He started his career in journalism as a freelance reporter in 2005 while studying Communication Science at UNISA. Prior to joining Caxton Newspapers, he worked for both community and commercial newspapers in Durban, where he won the Journalist of the Year Award in 2020 and 2021.