WATCH: Authentic Youth group transforming open spaces in Siyaya

Development in Freedom Park is taking place at a rapid pace. Originally an informal housing settlement, the area has grown in leaps and bounds.The tarred roads, schools, shopping mall and electrification of the area bears witness to the resolve of residents who wish to see their community growing.

The tarred roads, schools, shopping mall and electrification of the area bears witness to the resolve of residents who wish to see their community growing.

The youth, intent on adding their contribution to the improvement of their environment, are putting their nose to the grindstone as seen in the opening of the Authentic Park in Siyaya.

Founder member of the Authentic Youth Group (AYG), Thabiso Khanye, said, “We consider ourselves real go-getters who accept any challenges fulfill it to the best of our abilities.

“We were born and grew up in this community, this youth group is formed by university students, graduates, and high school students.”

“We formed this group because we realised that we as a group have the potential to bring about development, innovation, and improvement within and towards our community,” he added.

WATCH:

Video of the launch:

Video shot by Enver Wessels

AYG is a youth group founded with the intention of harnessing the talents of young people from Siyaya towards creating a safer community.

The group is eleven strong and consist of a healthy balance of young men and women who are passionate about the community which has raised them.

Khanye describes the group’s vision as, “To identify issues faced by youth and generate ideas and solutions to combat those issues by seizing entrepreneurial, educational, recreational, sports, arts and culture, youth development opportunities.”

According to the group, they have been active within the community through various initiatives such as the Nelson Mandela Day last year, including sports events such as the six-a-side soccer tournament.

For AYG the construction of the Authentic Park is a milestone which could not have been achieved without the support of the Siyaya community.

The Department of Agriculture, through their sponsorship of the park, provided benches, lawn, exercise equipment and paving as well as furnishing the design.

It is hoped that this recreational space will keep the children off the streets, especially during the holidays when youngsters find themselves with time on their hands and succumb to the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

Its launch on April 1 is no laughing matter as it is refreshing to see the youth looking at their surroundings with a view to creating spaces which can be used as recreational facilities to encourage youngsters to make a lasting impact on their community.

Read more: Sports key to diverting youth from drugs