Siyaphambili is an ever-evolving programme and is making a sound impact in ensuring the surf ski sport becomes increasing inclusive and that the participating paddlers gain, in addition to sporting capabilities, broader life skills and ever expanding life horizons.
Siyaphambili Surf Ski Club was established by the Durban Undersea Club and Paddling Academy in 2018. Its purpose? To facilitate the active participation of KZN youth, from disadvantaged backgrounds, within this sport.
Participation in surf ski paddling requires very specific physical skills, appropriate equipment, a sound understanding of the oceans, determination and perseverance … as well as practice! For many young people in KZN, this was (and is) not practical. But for youth who joined Siyaphambili, this would become a reality.
Experienced and committed members of the Durban Undersea Club and the Paddling Academy, guided by volunteer Jacqui Boyd, pooled their expertise and commitment to ensure that the first group of young enthusiasts could be correctly equipped and introduced to the ocean at Vetchie’s Beach.
The group of 10 youth who participated in the pilot, 6-month programme, were from Umgababa, 40 kms south of Durban. Every Saturday they were transported, via mini-buses, to the Durban Undersea Club where they were provided with surf skis, safety equipment and essential training as well as the mentorship and practical involvement of experienced surf skiers. A breakfast concluded each session, before the boys were transported back home!
This pilot programme proved to be highly effective and inspiring, and ensured that the programme was able to gain traction, momentum and support over the subsequent years and that its format could be formalized into a Trust and registered as a PBO. Since then, additional youth have joined the group whilst some of the maturing members have moved on, confident and passionate about paddling in the ocean.
Bay Union Insurance Brokers proposed that the JDF supports Siyaphambili.
For further information about this initiative, please see below:
Website: https://www.facebook.com/watch/
Website: https://duc.co.za/surfski/
Location: KwaZulu-Natal
THE RALLY TO READ
Literacy Development
The over-arching aim of the Rally to Read is to develop the reading and writing
skills of learners in remote schools – to ensure they are equipped to cope with
secondary school education and positioned to craft their own careers.
RECRUITAGRI
Agricultural employment development
The core objective of RecruitAgri is to empower local youth through skills
development and facilitating employment specifically within the agricultural
sector.
SUMBANDILA
Scholarship Programme
The Sumbandila scholarship programme aims to facilitate the education and
employment of promising youth of colour in the Louis Trichardt area of Limpopo,
through various educational support channels and means.
WISEUP
Women in Sports Education Upliftment Programme
WISEUP exists to uplift young girls through sport and education. Their key focus is on facilitating the successful participation of young black women, from Langa and Khayelitsha, in sports tournaments including the Rustenburg Girls High School Champions Cup.
