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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - During the hard lockdown in 2020, while not working, Lazola Thole decided after being confronted with the needs of the most vulnerable in the community, the youth, to come to their aid.
Thole, a SASSA employee, seeing the physical hunger among children, was also confronted with their emotional need for better role models.
Soon, he and a group of friends started buying and handing out food parcels. Moving around during deliveries, they saw the need for fixing homes. And this resulted in a non- profit organisation, iKhaya Community Development, Sports and Recreation.
With the slogan, Home for Hope, iKhaya, Thole explains that he wants to put the youth on their way to a better future.
Being a trained boxer, Thole believes that sport and recreation is the answer to teaching the youth many necessary life skills.
Currently, the organisation facilitates boxing, soccer, netball, draughts and a music group.
Thole is preparing four boxers from iKhaya to participate in a tournament in Plettenberg Bay in October. He believes boxing is an excellent way for youth to channel their energy and emotions constructively.
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"They often experience anger and frustration. Boxing is an excellent way to deal with this in a controlled way."
Sadly, these boxers have no other choice but to train outdoors.
"We do the best we can and train outside on the sports grounds in Extension 23. This of course is not ideal for boxing training. iKhaya needs a home."
Gym equipment will also be welcomed to further the athletes' training.
To Thole and his partners, sports training is only part of what they are trying to accomplish.
"We don't want to preach to the youth about what is wrong and what is right. They know. We are trying to teach them responsibility, the culture of giving and how to care for their community."
Anyone wishing to learn more about iKhaya and how to support them, may contact Thole (081 031 2705) or Shadrack Shishana (084 911 7379).
Lazola Thole (second from right) and friends, reaching out in the community. Photos: Jannie du Plessis
Children exercising as part of iKhaya's activities.
Shadrack Shishana is one of the partners in iKhaya, training the youth of KwaNonqaba in sports.
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