Youth day events draw hundreds

17 June 2025

Hundreds of young people across the City turned up for Youth Day sport and recreation events at a number of venues. Participants and spectators braved the weather to join in tournaments, games and matches.

From Ravensmead to Langa, young people across Cape Town celebrated Youth Day through sport, games and community-building activities, thanks to a series of events hosted by the City’s Recreation and Parks Department.

Dozens of events took place across the metro creating safe, active spaces for young people to engage in friendly competition, have fun and connect with others. Despite the drizzle, the day was a shining example of how sport and recreation can uplift communities and help young people grow through positive experiences.

Youth from Ravensmead, Valhalla Park and Leonsdale came together at the Ravensmead Multi-Purpose Centre for a vibrant day of sport and play – from soccer and netball to table tennis and traditional games like dibeke and kerem. These indigenous games, often passed down through generations, are not only fun but a meaningful way to honour local heritage while encouraging an active lifestyle.

The spirit of friendly competition filled the air as children learned and built skills they’ll carry with them long after the final whistle. Recreation staff and volunteers were on hand to guide participants through techniques in soccer, netball and indigenous games, helping them grow physically and mentally while celebrating cultural traditions.

Just a few blocks away, the Connaught Estate rental flats were transformed as parking areas became playful, positive spaces. Soccer and netball brought youth together for an afternoon of excitement and teamwork.

This event was made possible through a collaborative effort between the City’s Human Settlements Department, recreation team, the South African Police Service, Social Development Department, community stakeholders, private institutions and the local ward councillor.

In Blue Downs, the Malibu sport ground hosted a primary school tournament involving schools from Mfuleni, Silversands, Happy Valley and Bardale. Youth showcased their skills on the netball and soccer fields. The initiative, jointly hosted by Wards 108 and 114, formed part of a broader effort to use the Ward Allocation Budget for youth development. The top-performing schools received trophies, medals, and all schools received new sport equipment to support their ongoing development.

Meanwhile, the Langa Sport Precinct was a hive of activity throughout the long weekend – from Friday right through to Youth Day on Monday – with a variety of sporting codes on offer, including soccer, hockey, boxing, handball, netball, tennis, basketball and more. The initiative aimed to provide youth with positive, healthy alternatives while steering them away from crime and substance abuse.

These events were supported through Ward Allocation funding and delivered in collaboration with various community stakeholders, including Langa Sport Council and the South African Police Service, demonstrating how partnerships can help create safe, vibrant and engaging spaces for young people.

‘Sport and recreation activities are a lifeline for many of our young people. These events offer more than just a fun day out – they’re a chance to build resilience, learn teamwork and make lasting friendships in a safe, supportive environment. I want to commend all the participants, spectators and our committed staff who ensured it was true to the spirit of Youth Day,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

As youth month continues, the City’s Recreation and Parks Department remains committed to creating spaces where young people can thrive – come rain or shine.

Caption 1: Netball players in Blue Downs reach for the ball.

Caption 2: Youth in Langa were shown the ropes in hockey.

Caption 3: In Ravensmead young people enjoyed many of the board games available.

Caption 4: In Connaught Estate participants enjoyed a game of netball.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office