Phothiza Holdings Winter Holiday Youth Camp moving from strength to strength
The winter chill in Sharpeville couldn’t dampen the spirits at the 3rd Annual Phothiza Holdings Winter Holiday Youth Camp! From July 7th to 11th, the EL-Bethel Worship Centre buzzed with sixty enthusiastic young minds daily, Grades 7 to 12, from across the community. And let me tell you, it was an absolute blast!
Under the leadership of Phothiza Holdings Director, Mr. George Lephoto, the camp was a whirlwind of fun and learning. Kids powered through their days with delicious breakfast and lunch, then dove into exciting activities!
Imagine this: high-energy aerobics, powerful testimonies (even from those who turned their lives around from crime), vital lessons on road safety and municipal bylaws, and tackling tricky topics like bullying, rape and teen pregnancies. They even explored South African heritage and the dangers of cellphone distractions while walking. Plus, daily debates kept those young minds sharp, culminating in a lively Grade 12 vs. sports and recreation showdown! And for a touch of glamour, Grade 11 professional model and children’s book author, Khanyi Galela (a former participant herself!), even taught the girls how to model, ending with a fabulous small modelling showcase!
The secret ingredient to this camp’s success? The incredible “village” that rallied behind it! Stakeholders from all corners – Sharpeville SAPS, various Emfuleni Local Municipality departments (Bylaws, Social Crime Prevention, Traffic & Road Safety etc), Gauteng Departments of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation and Community Safety, Olwethu Fitness, Sharpeville Library, Lekoa FM, CPF, Men As Safety Promoters, Talk Boychild Foundation, AllNew Media Solutions, U-Turn Youth Development & Drug Awareness, FAMSA, Just Gospel Radio, Lifeline Vaal Triangle, Tshehlana Cleaning Services, El-Bethel Worship Centre, Sedibeng Heritage & Museums, Gauteng Traffic Wardens, Siyabangena and many many more – poured in daily, sharing their expertise and making this truly a community effort.
As the camp wrapped up, Mr. George Lephoto delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking everyone, from stakeholders to parents and the amazing kitchen team. He emphasised the camp’s mission to keep kids engaged and out of trouble, highlighting discussions with Sipho Khumalo of Sedibeng Heritage and Museums about future visits to local heritage sites during next year’s youth camp.
But the fun didn’t end there! After Mr. Lephoto’s closing remarks, a dazzling talent show erupted! Kids sang their hearts out, and a true star emerged in Grade 8 rapper Tumelo Machabi – born for the stage! Others shared incredible poetry and dynamic dance routines. The talent show was definitely the cherry on top of an already fantastic week!
In closing, Ms. Constance van Niekerk encouraged the children to chase their dreams and put their new knowledge into action.
This 3rd Winter Holiday Youth Camp was a shining example of community spirit and investing in our youth. Here’s hoping for many more to come – because when a village comes together, magic happens!