In commemoration of youth month and youth day Mrs. Mpetshwa, supported by her family, hosted a youth and talent show day at her home in Plangeni location (Mxantini village) on the 14th of June 2024. Elderly people supported the day by participating in marathons and showing moral support to young people playing netball and soccer.
Mrs. Mpetshwa says she felt the need to invite young people and give them a platform to showcase their talents and be rewarded for the work they put out. She believes young people will gain confidence and feel recognized when they participate in events like the one, she hosted. She says she is hoping the initiative attracts even more young people in the coming year to combat things like teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and all the other things that keep young people preoccupied particularly things that do not benefit their bright future.
Ms. Zanele Dlamini from Mxantini village is one elderly woman who came to show support to the initiative by participating in the marathon and cheering up young people while they engaged in all the fun activities. She said she is happy to see young people excited to be part of the event, and she wishes it continues as it allows them to focus on positive things, and they are safe from things like drugs and dropping out early at school.
Sinovuyo Yalo from Msizazwe founder of intandokazi netball team and FC football club said, she is grateful for the opportunity offered because it gives her team an opportunity to be exposed to other teams. They started participating in the initiative in 2024 and they feel privileged to be part of the event as it keeps both teams active and dreaming bigger.
The team manager of the Red Desert football club Siphesihle Ntshangase says he is grateful for the opportunity offered to them, and the support of the parents proves that what they do is important and contributes to the future of their children.
To young people like me, I would like to encourage you to start playing even if you don’t have a proper playing gear, play barefoot if you have to, I believe if you show determination someone will identify you and maybe buy for you. – said Bongani Yalo player of Intandokazi Fooball Club
| Winners of the marathons position 1 and 2 awarded with medals, gold position 1 and silver for position 2 | |||
| Girls 8 years | Boys 8 years | Young adults’ ladies | Young adults’ guys |
| Yolula Mlambo | Alwande Gcaleka | Sisi Nomlindelo | Brother Kheswa |
| Sinesipho Cologu | Solomzi Mpetshwa | Sisi Samlingo | Mr. Magaga |
| Girls 11,12 &13 | Boys 11,12 & 13 | Single ladies | Single Guys |
| Akho Zulu | Likuye | Sisi Nomvo | Ntselu |
| Asemahle Mlambo | Lindile Gcaleka | Maka Alu | Manikiniki |
| Girls 13-14 | Boys 13-14 | Ladies Over 60 Years | Men |
| Imange Dlezi | Sifundo Diya | Mrs. Nkwane | |
| Lithabo Tshakamani | Ayabonga Mafuya | Ms. Yolokazi | |
| Girls 15,16& 17 | Boys 15,16 &17 | Mrs. Tshutsha | |
| Thembisa Mkhonza | Sibonga Phakathi | ||
| zSinazo Nzama | Yonda Maliwa | ||
| Boys 15,16 &17 | |||
| Lihle Radebe | |||
| Yamkela Phikwa | |||
Soccer winners
- In third position, Eleven Destroyers walking awa with money and medals for the team and coach.
- In second position Citizen walking away with a football jersey, money and medals for the team and coach
- In first position, The Red Desert the team that took the trophy, money jersey and medals for the team and coach.
- Player of the tournament was awarded to Mxolisi Shusha awarded with a trophy and top goal scorer was awarded to Yogi Phugwana and he was awarded with a gold medal.
