Determined Ncambele villagers have taken it upon themselves to occupy their young people with sport in a bid to curb the high rate of crime, drug addiction and other social ills.
Villagers on Saturday, at the Ncambele Aces Development Programme Games, told the Daily Dispatch substance abuse was rife in the village.
They said young boys stayed out late in taverns, took drugs and mugged people for money to do so, while too many young girls were falling pregnant.
Bongani Lupondo, who initiated the sport programme in the village more than 30km from Mthatha, said his responsibility as a resident was to fight crime.
He started in 2013 with getting young people involved in sport.
“There is no development here at all,” he explained.
“For all these years, it is clear that those who play sport, both soccer and netball, do not engage in drugs.
“All the girls I have been mentoring over these years, none of them has fallen pregnant and that is a sign that we are doing something right.”
He wants them to focus on their future.
“We have a huge problem with crime. We want to curb that and show the youth that school is important.
“But it is a challenge because we do not even have sports grounds here. I have been spending money from my own pocket to buy soccer kits and balls.”
He sometimes asks his neighbours to chip in.
He said their dream was to produce players good enough to represent the province.
He called on the department of sport, recreation, arts & culture to meet them halfway and assist with equipment.
Villager Phumla Manqoba has sponsored a netball kit.
The programme also wants to include elderly people.
Vuyani Ndiko, 70, said older people should lead by example.
“I love this initiative. There are so many things that need to be fixed in this village. We have children who are criminals, and this is what we want to fight. We are trying to build the future of our children and look out for their wellbeing,” he said.
Sigqibile Ngayo, 22, who started playing netball in 2013, said: “This programme motivates us and moves us away from drugs and all other social ills.”
“It also helps us with discipline. Our parents are proud of us now. We invite more people to come and join us.”..