By Thandisizwe Mgudlwa
CAPE TOWN/South Africa: Growing up in a South African township often entails encountering high levels of violence, resulting in injuries and even loss of life. This was a common experience for those of my generation who were born in the 1970s and 1980s. Whether stemming from political unrest, gangsterism, or pure thuggery, the violence cast a shadow over our formative years.
However, amidst the grim reality, township life had its brighter side, particularly in the realms of sport, recreation, and the arts. These three activities provided immense joy and fulfillment for children and the youth. During my schooling in township schools during the 1980s and early 1990s, these disciplines thrived within the township communities.
Unfortunately, cracks began to appear as the post-apartheid democratic era took hold in 1994. The once-popular sports days and athletics meetings for primary and high schools in the townships gradually became a thing of the past. This decline also affected other sporting codes, as well as drama, arts, and numerous recreational activities.
Even before 1994, during school holidays, township children and youths faced a dearth of activities. They had to create their own pastimes, such as street soccer, cricket, tennis, and other popular games in the townships at the time.
Furthermore, township youth structures, including youth clubs, boy cups, scouts, brownies (for girls), and girl guides, showed promise from the 1980s to the early 1990s. When Kwaito music emerged in the early 1990s, it seemed as though the opportunities for township youth would flourish and prosper. However, this has not been the case. Despite Kwaito music’s moderate success, including international recognition, South African youth and children continue to experience neglect. They not only face high unemployment rates but also find themselves let down by a system that fails to provide them with the activities to which they are entitled under national and international laws.
While some programs for children and youths have been available since 1994, they have only reached a select few, leaving many others neglected. It is not the purpose of this account to scrutinize the role (or lack thereof) of the government sector in this matter. Rather, the focus should be on the excessive reliance on the government for all necessary development. A closer examination of this issue is needed to address and rectify the problems at hand.
The challenges faced by townships are complex and multifaceted, demanding closer scrutiny. Consequently, the process of solving these challenges should involve all sectors and become a daily priority. Committed and dedicated individuals in leadership roles, such as school principals and sports forums, must take charge and revive activities within schools and township communities. Working in partnership with the Department of Education, the SABC drama series “Yizo-Yizo” in the late 1990s played a pivotal role in exposing and highlighting the issues plaguing township schools and township life in general.
From corrupt teachers negatively influencing learners to unscrupulous members of the community exploiting schools and students for personal gain, various aspects of society contribute to the problem. On the other hand, there are also individuals, including school governing bodies (SGB), who go the extra mile to ensure that things run smoothly in the townships, providing learners and youths with the education and support they need.
These stories cannot fade from the nation’s consciousness if we aspire to reverse our situation and build a successful nation. Perhaps the key to turning things around lies elsewhere in the world. Countries like the USA, Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, and China have achieved remarkable success in global sporting events such as the Olympics, winning the most medals to date. Therefore, it would be prudent to study their successful development programs for children and youths in their communities and schools.
While apartheid was far from perfect, the situation for children and youth participation in sports, arts, and recreation in townships has deteriorated since the advent of democracy in 1994. Without urgent intervention, it appears that the situation will only worsen. Even new programs like cluster leagues, where teams comprise players from schools and the community, have either collapsed or failed to take off in many cases. Programs like the Siyadlala Community Mass Participation Program, Spur Masidlale Soccer Program, CAF African Schools Football Championship, and other mass sports initiatives require significant acceleration to reach all township children and youths.
Former sports personalities, artists, and individuals in the recreation sector can save another generation from the tragedy of wasted talents. Let us act for the sake of past, present, and future generations. It is essential for all of us to play our part.
Just imagine the impact if all private and public organizations, institutions, industries, sectors, and businesses implemented children’s and youth programs of all kinds as part of their Corporate Social Investment (CSI). Such collective efforts could make a tremendous difference.
Mgudlwa is a freelance journalist.
