We aiming at shaping and empowering fellow youth – Phakathi.

Phiri based Dumisani Manero Phakathi said his organisation South African Soccer Initiative’s (SASI) mission of shaping the youth and helping them lead positive lifestyles is being accomplished.

“When we launched SASI three years ago, its aim was to expose local talent through grassroots soccer tournaments and clinics for soccer players.

“But as time went by we realised that we don’t have only soccer players in our areas, we have tennis and netball players and that some of the youth are not interested in sporting codes but in motivational talks because they are an inspiration to other young people and that’s when we decided to introduce the concept of hosting motivational talks through SASI.”

Phakathi said through this work, there are many issues that they tackle.

“During the workshop, we come up with a topic and then allow young people to debate it, share information and give advice to other young people who are struggling.

“So far everything has been going well, attendance has been good and many young people have shown signs of making changes towards leading positive and fulfilling lives promising to share the information received with other youth who didn’t attend the workshop so they can also be empowered.”

Phakathi said that most of the issues that they discuss are social issues that affects most youth which includes HIV/Aids, education, helping each other, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse.

This year’s event will be hosted at Kgotso Grounds on December 20 and 21.