Peacebuilding takes root among South Africa’s boys and young men through Justice Desk’s “iNtsika yeThemba”
By Alexandra Flores and Ros Dumlao | For Laureus Sport for Good
Ziad has been living and studying in Bonteheuwel, an area with high crime rates in the Cape Flats in Cape Town, South Africa.
Aosis research found that crime and violence in South Africa cause schools to divert resources from classes to trauma counselling, resulting in increased absenteeism.
Though surrounded by adversities that could have distracted him from his studies or pulled him in the wrong direction, his grandmother, who’s been a constant in his life, encouraged him to stay on course.
Ziad saw an opportunity to break free from the cycles of violence and poverty that have plagued his community when he heard about the Justice Desk Africa’s “iNtsika yeThemba”.
Justice Desk Africa, a grantee partner of Laureus Sport for Good South Africa, equips people with the knowledge to understand and defend their human rights. It runs a variety of specialised programmes, such as iNtsika yeThemba, across various communities.
The programme focuses on communities where boys and young men are at risk of joining gangs. It uses outdoor adventure-based activities, workshops and mentorship to help end gender-based violence by equipping a generation of positive male role models.
Though surrounded by adversities that could have distracted him from his studies or pulled him in the wrong direction, his grandmother, who’s been a constant in his life, encouraged him to stay on course.
Ziad saw an opportunity to break free from the cycles of violence and poverty that have plagued his community when he heard about the Justice Desk Africa’s “iNtsika yeThemba”.
Justice Desk Africa, a grantee partner of Laureus Sport for Good South Africa, equips people with the knowledge to understand and defend their human rights. It runs a variety of specialised programmes, such as iNtsika yeThemba, across various communities.
The programme focuses on communities where boys and young men are at risk of joining gangs. It uses outdoor adventure-based activities, workshops and mentorship to help end gender-based violence by equipping a generation of positive male role models.
.png?format=auto&width=320)
Ziad described the programme as a “transformative experience.”
"The programme provided me with a safe space to learn, grow and develop skills I never knew I had Ziad said.
Over three years, the project aims to break down toxic ideas of masculinity while creating a space for dialogue and learning between young men ages 13-18. That age bracket is a critical window of opportunity when opinions, ideas and beliefs are formed.
Ziad is one of hundreds of boys and young men impacted by the iNtsika yeThemba programme by providing young individuals with the tools and guidance to transform their lives, creating ripple effects of positive change in their communities.
In 2024, Justice Desk Africa impacted 169 direct participants, helping them increase their knowledge and understanding of gender-based violence.
“I am determined to continue my education and use the knowledge and skills I have gained to uplift my community and create a better environment for the next generation,” Ziad said.
The organisation is one of many around the world supported by the wider Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, working together to advance peacebuilding through sport.
“I am determined to continue my education and use the knowledge and skills I have gained to uplift my community and create a better environment for the next generation.”
"The programme provided me with a safe space to learn, grow and develop skills I never knew I had Ziad said.
Over three years, the project aims to break down toxic ideas of masculinity while creating a space for dialogue and learning between young men ages 13-18. That age bracket is a critical window of opportunity when opinions, ideas and beliefs are formed.
Ziad is one of hundreds of boys and young men impacted by the iNtsika yeThemba programme by providing young individuals with the tools and guidance to transform their lives, creating ripple effects of positive change in their communities.
In 2024, Justice Desk Africa impacted 169 direct participants, helping them increase their knowledge and understanding of gender-based violence.
“I am determined to continue my education and use the knowledge and skills I have gained to uplift my community and create a better environment for the next generation,” Ziad said.
The organisation is one of many around the world supported by the wider Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, working together to advance peacebuilding through sport.
“I am determined to continue my education and use the knowledge and skills I have gained to uplift my community and create a better environment for the next generation.”
***
Justice Desk Africa is a grantee partner of Laureus Sport for Good South Africa Foundation, and one of the many organisations around the world partnering with the wider Laureus Sport for Good Foundation using sport as a tool to build peaceful communities. In 2024, Laureus Sport for Good supported over 34,500 young people through sport-based programmes that foster social cohesion, promote dialogue and provide opportunities for reconciliation.
Read more in the 2024 Impact Report
Read more in the 2024 Impact Report
