AFCKO holiday programme held

These karate students were from Mpontsheng, Abram Hlophe, Thokoza, Thembisa, Newcastle, Hammanskraal and Zakhariya Park dojos.

According to AFCKO founder shihan Thulane Sibisi, the main objective of the holiday programme was to keep the youth off the streets during the school holidays so they won’t be tempted to get involved in substance abuse.

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“We also want to discourage the youth from participating in service delivery protests that destroy community property, to encourage young men to respect women so they will, in future, take a strong stand against woman and child abuse in our communities, to encourage women to speak out about abuse, to speak out if there is any bullying in their respective schools, to encourage more youth to participate in sports, and to identify crime hot spots and create sport activities in those areas,” said Sibisi.

The holiday programme was welcomed and supported by many parents and community leaders because during holidays many children run around in the streets doing nothing. This initiative prevents children from loitering and instead teaches them to use that time to do constructive things.

Sibisi believes if this initiative can be supported by many organisations in the community, including the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, this country will be a better place for all as the only way to keep the youth busy is to create more activities in their communities.

The programme included physical training, capacity training and team building.

Sensei Mabati Phillimon from Zakhariya Park Dojo managed the morning classes and physical training, while sensei Mkhombiseni Manyathi from Abram Hlophe Dojo taught the students life and leadership skills, as he runs a LoveLife programme in his community.

Sensei Bongani Mkwanazi taught the students self-defence skills as he was graded with his first black belt in Cape Town recently. He is also very good with teaching technical and team building skills.

The next AFCKO event will take place at Chitingwiza Sports Complex in Zimbabwe on July 27 and 28. Sibisi said AFCKO is going to send 17 students to take part in the event.

“We are looking for sponsorship for this event. This event is extremely important for our country to strengthen the relationship with Zimbabwe. In our May event in the Thokoza Auditorium, karatekas from Zimbabwe came in their numbers to support our event, which was held to fight xenophobia,” said Sibisi.

For more information, if you want to make any form of donation, or to make the AFCKO trip a reality contact Sibisi on 083 599 5916 or thulane2005@gmail.com

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In the end, Sibisi thanked all business people from Katlehong for their assistance. These businesses are X-Ray Phadima, Dexter Hyper Meat, Dr Sizani, Phadima Pharmacy, Dr Moreki, Sempai Velley to name the few.