The air was filled with jubilant celebrations and shouts of joy as the youth gathered with the community to pre-celebrate Youth Day on June 15, 2024, at the home of Bishop Y. S. Mpetshwa, founder of the Sports Day and Talent Show. The event, held near Wild Coast Sun in Plangent location, Ward 23 under the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality, marked a festive prelude to the official June 16 Youth Day celebrations.
The grounds of Bishop Mpetshwa’s vast yard were meticulously marked to accommodate various sports codes and activities due to the unavailability of dedicated youth activity land in the ward. The event attracted youth from near and far, with approximately 400-450 participants, including spectators and parents.
Bishop Mpetshwa, leader of Worship Centre International Church and owner of Lucky Stars football club, emphasized the importance of the event in keeping teenagers and youth away from crime, sub stance abuse, and gender-based violence. “It is the very least we can do for our communities,” he said, highlighting the event’s role in fostering a positive environment for young people.
The event featured a range of activities, including soccer, netball, poetry, dance, and music. Notably, 13-year-old Olwam Khuzwayo, who had been scouted by Mamelodi Sundowns and spent nearly five weeks under their care, participated in the soccer matches. Khuzwayo was temporarily released to his parents’ care to attend the event before returning to the Sundowns’ development team.
Mr. Moses Mbuthuma from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) attended the event, offering workshops on water safety and drowning prevention. He raised awareness about the dangers of drown ing, not just in seas and rivers but also in pit toilets. Mbuthuma was impressed by the youth’s engage ment during his session and extended an invitation to the top four poets of the event—Yolanda Diya, Onga Mathumbu, Philasande Mathumbu, and Olwam Madikizela—to perform at a forthcoming NSRI event at the Wild Coast Sun Hotel.
The Mr. & Ms. Mbizana High School pageant founder and director, Zizile Mthembu, donated several trophies for the event, while the church also contributed trophies and catering. This growing event, which started in 2020, continues to gain momentum, with organizers calling for more support from the business sector and broader social involvement, regardless of religious background.
The Sports Day & Talent Show successfully brought the community together, providing a platform for young people to showcase their talents and fostering a sense of unity and purpose. As the event contin ues to grow, it promises to be a cornerstone of youth development and community spirit in the region.
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