Diepkloof Hostel community gets safe space for youth
The former mayor handed over the sports ground as a safe space for recreation and development.
The former mayor of Johannesburg, Kabelo Gwamanda, handed over a sports ground to the Diepkloof Hostel community on May 6.
The project was in response to the community’s concerns about the lack of recreational facilities for youth in the area.
The community had worried that without a safe space for sports and recreation, the young people in Diepkloof Hostel were at risk of falling prey to substance abuse and other negative influences.
ALSO READ: Top 30 Youth Hustle Hub Entrepreneurs announced
Recognising the situation’s urgency, Gwamanda funded the project, which the community had requested last December.
The sports ground has soccer and netball facilities, catering to male and female hostel residents.
It will provide a safe and engaging environment for youth to participate in sports and recreational activities, promoting their physical and emotional well-being.
The handover was a milestone in the community’s development, offering a valuable resource for promoting social cohesion, youth development and community engagement.
The project is expected to positively impact the lives of young people in the Diepkloof Hostel, giving them opportunities for growth, development and a healthier lifestyle.
Gwamanda believes in leading by example and taking action rather than getting bogged down in complicated processes.
He said the initiative demonstrated the community’s ability to take charge and complete tasks.
Sibongiseni Khoza, the chairperson of Diepkloof Hostel, said, “We requested the sports ground because we realised our children lack a safe space to refresh their minds.
ALSO READ: Makhubela ditches her party to join uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK)
“It is unrealistic to expect them to stay off the streets without a designated area for leisure activities.
“This sports ground will also benefit nearby residents because there’s a shortage of recreational facilities in the area.”
“With a sports ground nearby, children can engage in physical activity after school when done with their homework rather than loitering and potentially turning to substance abuse.
This facility will help the community by promoting youth activity and well-being,” said Ntethelelo Jali, the chairperson of the Jabulani Hostel.
