News24 | Teens treated to first rugby game at Cape Town Stadium as community steps in to fight gangsterism

The group watched the u-20 Rugby World Championship match between France and Spain at Cape Town Stadium. PHOTO: Supplied

A group of boys from Kensington watched a live rugby match at Cape Town Stadium, thanks to the Kensington Community Policing Forum. The initiative aimed to provide positive activities for the youths, who were previously involved in conflicts. The organisers hope to continue such events to keep the boys engaged and away from gangsterism.

A group of boys and young men from Kensington could not contain their excitement when they got the opportunity to watch a live rugby match at the Cape Town Stadium recently.

The group, aged between 15 to 22, watched the u-20 Rugby World Championship match between France and Spain.

The trip was made possible by the Kensington Community Policing Forum (CPF) in partnership with the ward councillor and the Kensington Police Station.

Jameelah Liedeman, CPF chair, said a group of 25 young men went on the trip.

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“These youngsters were fighting each other and throwing stones at each other. The ward councillor contacted the CPF, so we got the police involved as well. We met with the boys and their parents. We told the boys that from the age of 13, you could be charged; you might not go to prison, but you would have a criminal record. They were shocked when we told them that.

“When we spoke to the parents, they asked that we do constructive things to keep them occupied. So, we organised a soccer game between the two groups where medals were given and a trophy for the winning team.”

Involved in sports

Liedeman explained that the aim is to get them involved in sports.

“Going forward we want to arrange more friendly games, but the challenge is that most do not have proper soccer boots. It would be great if we could find a sponsor or a soccer club that has kits they are not using for these boys.”

According to Liedeman, the boys had bright smiles as they arrived at the stadium. For many, it was their first time watching a live rugby game. We provided them with lunch. The Kensington police provided us with transport. It was exciting for them.

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“Many of them have never been to the stadium. You could see on their faces that this was something big for them. Just being away from their normal environment. They were getting along and speaking to each other.”

Liedeman said they emphasised to the group that there is more to life than gangsterism. “There is life outside and there are people in the community who care about them, who want to help and be there for them. We want them to know that our door is always open for them.”

Pollsmoor

According to Liedeman, it was not just a once-off intervention and they hoped to journey with the group.

“We would also like to arrange a trip for them to Pollsmoor Prison so that they can get to see what it is like there. We want to show them that they have other options and that they can change their lives.

Cheslyn Steenberg, Ward 56 councillor, said they hope to reach more young people in future.

“Our next target is the other parts of the ward where youth at risk may be. This programme will continue to ensure that our youth at risk does not fall victim to gangsterism and crime.”

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