City’s youth hiking challenge builds resilience and keeps youth on a positive path
27 October 2025
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department successfully concluded the 2nd annual Maclear’s Beacon Hiking Challenge, held this past Saturday, 25 October 2025 – an initiative that forms part of the department’s broader youth development programme through outdoor adventures.
The event saw 68 young participants complete the challenge, supported by five Disaster Risk Management volunteers. To qualify for the Maclear’s Beacon Hiking Challenge, participants were required to complete at least one training hike in the lead up to the finale.
However, many chose to go beyond the minimum requirement by participating in multiple hikes to further prepare and improve their endurance.
Recognition was given not only to those who achieved the fastest times, but also to hikers who demonstrated excellent discipline by strictly adhering to mountain safety and environmental rules.
This exciting youth-focused initiative promotes healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and connection to nature, while offering positive alternatives that help keep young people away from gangs and crime.
‘This initiative is about more than fitness – it’s about building confidence, teamwork and leadership among our youth. By creating spaces where young people feel supported and connected, we are helping them make positive choices about their futures. Well done to all the participants and the team who supported them,’ said Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.
The hike was followed by a prize ceremony to celebrate the achievement of the determined hikers.
Winners received City-branded tog bags, smartwatches and power banks, while all participants were recognised with medals for their dedication and participation.
The hike saw three categories of winners which constituted male teams, female teams, and mixed teams.
For the male teams, in first place were Qhawe Ningiza (13) and Onga Mthintsilana (15) from Weltevreden; in second place were Devon Meyer (17) and Luciona Thomas (17) from Atlantis and in third place Tino Tape (15)and Igshaan Karadine (14) from Bonteheuwel.
For the female teams, taking first place were Tiffany Matthews (16 ) and Rashieda Salie (17) from Nyanga and the mixed team’s winners for first place were Lesedi Nquthwana (16) and Emihle Xolo (15) from Bonteheuwel.
‘The challenge instils valuable life skills such as resilience, cooperation and discipline, while encouraging participants to take pride in their accomplishments,’ said Councillor Higham.
The youth hiking programme is one of several City-led initiatives that connect young people to positive recreation and mentorship opportunities. Through the promotion of physical activity and connection to nature, the City continues to expand access to structured, supportive activities that strengthen social cohesion and help prevent youth involvement in antisocial behaviour.
Residents interested in joining future outdoor adventure programmes can visit their local community centre or Sub-Council office for more information.
Caption 1: The group of participants soon after their hike.
Caption 2: First prize winners for males to Qhawe Ningiza and Onga Mthintsilana received their prizes from Councillor Higham.
Caption 3: The group during the hike.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
