KwaThema skateboarders
KwaThema - While there are many young men from the townships who play soccer, there are also skateboarders in KwaThema.
One group of young KwaThema skaters formed a skateboarding crew called Trash Gang three years ago.
Nhlanhla Thango (17), one of the skateboarders, says their love for skating brought the group together.
He says what they love most about skateboarding is performing different tricks, such as ‘ollies’, ‘kickflips’ and ‘pop-shuvits’.
The youngsters are always thinking about the new skateboarding moves they need to master.
“To us, this is also not just a sport, but also a form of transport,” says a smiling Nhlanhla.
While he acknowledges the dangers associated with skateboarding, such as broken limbs, he says they are not discouraged.
Thami Mgidlane (16) says one thing he learned from skateboarding is to never give up.
He says falling down and getting dirty is all part of learning.
“In skateboarding, you learn through falling down and breaking your legs or arms,” says Thami.
He explains their parents are concerned about the safety aspects, but they don’t intend giving skating up.
Thami believes KwaThema needs a skate park.
Not only would this give them somewhere safe from traffic to practice, but it would also introduce skating to other children in the township.
“We could also use it for skating tournaments,” says Thami.
