MABONENG – Don't flip out when you hear how skateboarding is improving the lives of youngsters in Joburg CBD.
Nicholas Zaal
Sipho Malamlela (9) is a regular at One Love Central in Maboneng. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Children in Joburg CBD are reaching new heights thanks to a group of passionate skateboarders.
The non-profit organisation, One Love Central was started in 2014 with the aim of uplifting children from disadvantaged backgrounds and giving them something constructive to focus on rather than the evils around them.
Bhekani Ntini skates at the Drill Hall in Maboneng. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Setting up ramps at the historic Drill Hall as well in Staib Street, Maboneng, volunteer Lucky Dlangalala said the group was not received with open arms at first. “Skateboarding used to be associated with drugs and vandalism, so the community was not behind us,” he said.
However, when the group went about providing free lessons to anyone interested, supported by the donation of 100 skateboards by KebbeK Skateboards, people started to recognise the benefits of such a programme.
“Skateboarding teaches discipline and you learn to respect each other, teach each other and learn from each other in a dignified way.”
Sipho Malamlela (9) only knows one speed when skateboarding: fast. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
The group became more and more popular, and now, on any afternoon and weekend, the ramps are abuzz with youngsters trying kickflips, heelflips, grinds and other tricks.
A bonus was when Lehlohonolo Thom became the first black person to win a qualifying round for the Midway Mayhem competition in Kimberley and competed in it this year.
