Memel youth cry out for sports facilities

December 15, 2011 | Filed underPopular News | Posted by editor
Sports facilities needed … Youngsters from Memel in the Eastern Free State says boredom is driving them to taverns.
Youth from the Zamane Township in Memel are in desperate need of diversion in the form of sport.
During The Weekly’s visit to the Eastern Free State town, a group of young men could be been seen sitting on a dilapidated sport stand overlooking a worn-out field which does not have any grass or lines.
They were attending an HIV/Aids awareness drive organised by the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
According to a young resident from the area, Thamsanqa Mazibuko, drinking alcohol has become one of their major “extramural” activities.
“We drink Monday to Sunday because there is nothing better to do.”
Mazibuko said the only thing they can do is drink and socialise with women to pass the time and this often lead to unprotected sex and the spread of HIV/AIDS among young people.
One of the reasons for the lack of sports activities in the community is the lack of facilities in the area.
The MEC for Agriculture, Msebenzi Zwane, said there is a great need for young people to stay away from drugs and alcohol and participate in sports.
Mafika Tshabalala, said although many schools in the area may have sport grounds there is hardly any equipment to practice with.
He added that there are often no soccer balls.
Another youth Thima Tsotetsi, said there is no opportunity for cricket, rugby, or anything that requires a field.
“It is frustrating for us and this often leads us to drink because taverns are always open.”
Tsotsetsi also lamented the fact that the township Zamane is not able to receive Lesedi FM reception.
“This results in a lack of information for Sotho speakers.”
The MEC for Agriculture, Msebenzi Zwane, said there is a great need for young people to stay away from drugs and alcohol and participate in sports.
Zwane cautioned that youth should not wait for government to do something but should be pro-active in dealing with issues of poverty, alcohol, and drug abuse by participating in sport activities. He added that they should also contribute to the development of their own neighbourhoods.
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