Author Archives: chapaqwa

by | December 30, 2011 · 1:58 pm

Claire Perry Says Goodbye to PPI-South Africa

Claire (red t-shirt, 5th from left) with participants at the NBA's Basketball Without Borders.

December marked the end of Claire Perry’s two-year term as a PeacePlayers International Fellow. Claire had had an indelible impact, especially working with PPI-SA’s girls and the development of LDP. Below she shares some final thoughts about her time with PPI: favorite memories, what was difficult, what she learned, and what she will miss.

Claire with her best girlfriends during her final nights in SA.

I haven’t posted in awhile, not knowing how to say goodbye to my time in SA, afraid my words would not accurately describe my feelings of sad separation as I departed my second family and home, Durban, South Africa and PPI-SA. I have spent two years working as a Fellow for the PPI-SA program and never have I experienced a more eye opening, challenging, yet maturing and beautiful two years.  I witnessed incredible basketball and mental development within our participants and coaches, traversed the ever expansive and stunning South African country as coach and tourist, and fell in love with the PPI -SA family.

When I arrived to Durban, extremely pale and wide eyed, my first vivid memory is a trip around Durban proper with our HR and Ops Manager, Ryan Douwie. He introduced me to the seven schools I was to work with as the City’s Area Coordinator, a post now proudly captained by my friend and sister, Nasiphi Khafu. Douwie had mentioned that before I completed my two year fellowship at PPI-SA, which at that time seemed like an impossible and far fetched feat, I will have defined this legacy by my first two months in South Africa. My first two months, however, proved extremely erratic while I coached, taught, traveled to every programme area and met every primary and high school participant possible.  I befriended our coaches and became close friends with my teammates and office members.  In a nut shell, I was all over the place.

Claire with LDP kids in Lamontville.

As the months passed, I kept thinking of how to define my legacy, though never fully wanted to wrap my head around that last departure day, when my legacy would be set in stone with no more days to help define who Claire Perry was. I thought I should be the people person, always out in the field, trying to teach our players the importance of using their left hand as much as their right, and the importance of gender equity, especially within our programmes’ seven areas. At times, I also thought I should be the tech person, teaching our staff how to type on our generously donated PC’s and lap tops and how to effectively organize meeting minutes. Then again, I also wanted to lead our high school programme and City-Wide Tournament events, to be recognized for having hosted the most effective, yet entertaining, programme and events PPI-SA had ever experienced.

Claire plays "smart dirty" with Mtu Zulu, program manager.

If I had to define my legacy, I would like PPI-SA to remember me for my passion for basketball, my easy acceptance of others and situations and for the giving of encouragement and guidance. The PPI-SA coaches would always comment on my ability to completely switch personalities as soon as I stepped on the court.  Known as the nice, accepting, tall white girl in the office, I would become the ‘smart dirty,’ and competitive basketball player as soon as the laces were tied. I would lose myself in basketball drills, practices, and competitions. I rarely yelled at a team or an individual, as my approach to leadership was always through encouragement, to try and fail rather than never try out of fear of failure and disappointment.  I always wanted to be known as the girl who could hold her own on the court and would get done what she said was going to get done, while giving others a chance to share their ideas and to lead.

Claire wearing a Zulu hat.

If I have been able to leave such a legacy, then I am proud to have left PPI-SA after my two years, knowing I allowed others to learn, lead and shine within PPI-SA and throughout the greater Durban area in his or her various positions.

These past two weeks spent at home have been tearful, yet refreshing.  I know I want to continue working in the sport for development sector, particularly in the operations and programme development sector either in the states or abroad.  I fell in love with South Africa, it’s picturesque landscapes and beautiful, accepting people and want to remember my experiences by putting into action what I have learned. Thank you for the opportunity to share two years with a wonderful group of people who have become my second family.

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by | November 29, 2011 · 9:19 pm

Coach Spotlight: Sandile “Sah” Sithole

Sandile “Sah” Sithole is one of PPI-South Africa’s most prized coaches.  His energy is infectious and the kids flock to him wherever he goes.  Without a doubt, he has changed hundreds of kids lives in his five years as a PPI-SA coach. This week, PPI Fellow Claire Perry interviewed Sah about his experiences with PPI. 

Claire: Sah, tell me your story.

Sah: I started out as a participant back in 2006 in the Leadership Development Programme (LDP).  After Igraduated from LDP, I decided to stay on with PPI and coach, thanks to Lamontville’s  Area Coordinator Sosha Mthethwa.

Claire: How has it been, working as a coach for PPI for the past five years?

Sah: I’m a celebrity now, thanks to PPI.  I am well known, especially within the Wunga Boys.

(Wunga is a mixture of ecstacy, ARV’s, and rat poison that is mixed in with cigarettes.  The drug is extremely popular with teenagers throughout KZN and once wunga is tried, the fix is incredibly strong.  One day, the basketball pole was stolen from our court. When asked where it went, the participants said the Wunga Boys took it; they will steal anything to smoke more Wunga.)

Claire: Why are you well known within the Wunga Boys?

Sah: Well, I kinda made basketball cool at Bhekaphambile Primary and all the school kids would come and watch our games.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t have all the school kids play though I at least was able to win their support during our games.  And now, I’m protected because the Wunga boys never go after me beacuse they remember me as the cool coach at PPI.

Claire: Do you think from those kids you did teach, you prevented them from entering the drug world?

Sah: Yes. Beacuse none of the kids I used to coach, do smoke wunga.  And they definitely do not associate with any of the Wunga boys because if you’re not with them, you’re against them.  I’m pleased to think I made a positive difference in my kids’ lives.

Further, I would go so far as to say 98% of the girls I have taught have practiced non risky behaviour because very few are now, or were, pregnant.

Claire: How do you know this?

Sah: Well, most of the girls still live in Lamontville, studying and finishing matric.  (Rubbing his belly in a circular motion) And I don’t see any girls with large, round bellies.

Claire:  Well done, Sah. Sah, you are by far the funniest person I know, even if you say you are not beacuse you are more funny in isiZulu.  Will you take your talent anywhere?

Sah: Oh no no no.  I’ve been busy with something else.

Claire: And what’s that?

Sah: I’m studying civil engineering.  Just finished all my exams.  One more year!  After I graduate, I’m going to have my own company.  A plumbing company (he starts laughing)

Claire: Why are you laughing, Sah?

Sah: Ha, I’m just picturing myself (imagining he has a wrench in his hand, he gets down on all fours and demonstrates the motion), fixing all the pipes.  Funny. Oh and next year, I want to coach LDP.

Claire: Good to know, Sah.  I’ll make sure to tell the next person who runs LDP.

Sah: Oh and Claire, I’ll miss you dearly.

Claire: Thanks, Sah.  You, too.

Sah: Oh, and I love you. And that’as no lie.

Claire: Ok, we’ll stop here, now.

To Sah, thank you for your commitment.   Well done!

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by | November 15, 2011 · 2:22 pm

PPI-SA Hosts In-Area Tournaments to End the Semester’s Program Activity

Boys, in any sort of foot wear, play their last PPI-SA basketball game in Wentworth.

Unfortunately, PPI-SA was unable to host our 19th City-Wide Tournament as planned on October 29th, 2011.  We had worked hard for months prior, creating relationships with trusted suppliers to provide what was necessary to provide our participants with our culminating life skills and basketball event.  Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, our City-Wide Tournament did not take place.

Our rural programme area, Molweni, awaits the tournament tip off as rain clouds stay at bay.

A pale substitution to our CWT, each program area hosted in-area tournaments to celebrate a semester full of hard work.  Food was provided by the Department of Sports and Rec while aQuelle (South Africa’s leading flavoured, bottle water brand) supplied 1000 bottles of water, enough for every participant in our entire programme.  Our area coordinators headed out to their areas to organize the events, all with help from office staff and the area’s school representatives.

Thank you to all who helped us through this learning experience.  We hope to host our 19th City-Wide at the beginning of next year to kick start our programme off in the right direction.

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by | November 1, 2011 · 1:33 pm

Leadership Development Programme League Wraps Up

From the onset, Molweni’s LDP teams dominated the basketball court with offensive precision and defensive prowress.  Their ability to play as a team on and off the field for the past three months earned them first place with a vast margin of victory.  Umbumbulu followed in 2nd place, Umlazi in 3rd, and Lamontville in 4th.

The LDP league consists of several categories, each division able to earn points for their team and area.  Teams earn points individually for wins and losses and as an area for best weekly attendance and successful community projects.  This time around, Umbumbulu, generally the area with the  least consistent attendance due to extensive travel to area schools and basketball courts, earned first place in semester attendance.  The dedication, in the end, paid off.  In the last week of program activity, Umbumbulu hosted two community projects, earned highest weekly attendance, and won 3/4 last games to earn 2nd place in the LDP league. Well done, Umbumbulu!

Umlazi and Lamontville also improved their performance in the last weeks of semester, increasing attendance and keeping the attendance at a consistently high percentange, an issue we’ve had to battle with for years.

A side bit of information down here in South Africa, 12th grade seniors are pressured to perform exceptionally well in the classroom to earn high Matric exam results; if they fail, the rest of their life might as well be spent on the streets.  ‘Matrics,’ (Seniors), quit all extra curricular activities and focus purely on studies, spending every extra hour and weekend in the classroom preparing for exams.  At the end of the exam period, each Matric student’s grades are posted in the major newspapers.  In America, scores are posted by school, allowing districts to proudly boast, if the case, their testing scores.  In South Africa, Matric results are posted by the individual’s names.  This practice has sparked major controversy recently.  Unfortuantely, many failing Matric students, having seen their results broadcasted for all to read, commit suicide under the mounting pressure and embarrasment.

As the LDP program, we preach a healthy balance of academics and extra curriculars, in hopes all our students are able to manage their time effectively.  Our matric participants usually attend when they can, though have shown a vast improvement in attending our practice, events, and community projects, all in the name of earning points for their LDP area.

The LDP players are off until program resumes in February.  In the mean time, they’ll be studying hard and competing to participate in provincial and national tournaments. Congratulations to our participants and good luck in the rest of the semester!

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by | October 18, 2011 · 1:48 pm

Rural Program Area Spotlight: Umbumbulu

Female elementary school players play on the dirt covered basketball court in front of the entire school body.

‘Umbumbulu,’took me about a year to say properly.  Even now, when I pronounce the name of our rural programme, I must sound weird to all those who are listening.  Umbumbulu is one of our two rural programmes at PPI-SA, where we host four elementary and one high school programme.  The children walk miles to school every day, on top of grueling basketball practices three days a week. Most of the participants play either barefoot or in their school shoes.  Fortunately, yet oddly, adidas years past donated soccer cleats to our organization.  Though we do not teach nor play soccer, our high school players have played in the cleats for the past year, opting to play on the hard, bubbly surface than baring their feet to foreign materials on the basketball court.

Players in the adidas cleats, school shoes, and in their bare feet, all ready to play for the entire school.

The drive to Umbumbulu from the office is about 45 minutes, not including the pick up and drop offs of coaches who live outside 10 km’s of the schools.  Last week we clocked 179 kilometres.  The scenery includes plush, rolling hills, spectacular dams, and grazing cattle that happen to halt traffic as they warm themselves on the one, main road’s pavement.  Our trusty Toyota braves the pot hole filled dirt roads and climbs up 75 degree hills.  How the car is still working requires a miraculous explanation.

For the amount of times I’ve prayed while driving to survive the trek, never have I doubted Umbumbulu’s commitment to the PPI program and, specifically, the schedule of the day.  One cannot help if a taxi (form of public transport for all SA residents) blows a tire, thus an hour late to an event.  Though I’m always amazed the players willingness to walk the 8k trek to the community court.  The school representatives and principals pay out of pocket to transport the players ($7 to cramp our players into the back of an open truck bed) to community games and our most recent event, our 19th City-Wide Tournament. No matter the way, the job gets done; and exceptionally well, with the entire school ready to support.

Ntobeko Manzi, ambassador of Umbumbulu and our Life Skills Manager, is beyond proud of the Umbumbulu participants:

“Umbumbulu is known as the poorest and most uneducated area within KZN [KwaZulu-Natal province].  Yet last year, when our Grade 12 Matrics (Seniors) graduated, our participants earned the highest marks possible. High five to us, then, eh?”


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by | October 4, 2011 · 2:18 pm

Bridging Divides Within the Same Programme Area

LDP and PSP participants gather after the games

Umlazi is considered the second largest township in South Africa, second to an area just outside Johannesburg called Soweto, which actually stands for SOuth WEstern TOwnships.   Thus, Umlazi is the single largest township in South Africa with about 750,000 residents within about 25 kilometres.  See this link to a satellite image of Umlazi.  Each section is named for a letter in the alphabet, from A to Z, and continuing with AA-DD, to accommodate the growing size of residents.

LDP play helps our PSP kids learn proper defensive stance

Not surprisngly, Umlazi is our largest programme area with eight primary school programmes (PSP) and one Leadership Development Programme (LDP), where our high school participants continue to play and learn after completing the Primary School Programme.  This past Saturday, Umlazi’s Area Coordinator, Sthembiso Shinga, dreamt big and bridged the divides between this vast township by hosting all of our primary schools at one venue. 16 teams competed against each other from 10-2.30 pm, each boys and girls team playing at least twice.  The LDP participants were on hand reffing, scoring, and keeping time.  The LDP participants also helped spread the word to the younger players, recruiting participants for the next level of competition within PPI-SA.  Too many times our PSP participants assume basketball ends after 7th grade (high school begins at 8th grade in South Africa).  PPI-SA recognized long ago the need to continue grooming our youth; and thus, created the LDP to continue teaching life skills through basketball.  Today, our LDP consists of four different areas and hosts educational seminars, community projects, and home and away basketball games to, amongst other objectives, bridge divides between all our various programme sites and its participants.

The day of games brought together children who live within the same, ‘town,’ though without this initiative, never would have seen, met each other, or learned each other’s name, and definitely not have played against each other on a basketball court.   Thank you to Sthe who recognized the need to continue developing the sport of basketball while creating and strengthening the relationships between hundreds of our participants.

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by | September 20, 2011 · 1:19 pm

Non-participant High School Programs Attend PPI-SA’s First Girls Basketball Clinic

Guards warm up learning proper footwork to drive by their defenders.

Last Saturday, our four Leadership Development Programme (LDP) programs joined three area high schools to play six hours of pure basketball and, as part of PPI’s original credo, bridge divides with people outside the PPI organization.  Black girls from rural areas joined hands with township Black and City White and Coloured girls, creating quite the rainbow nation within our two court, indoor facility.

Forwards warm up with practicing proper rebounding technique.

Within the Kwa-Zulu Natal province, no high school league is established for high school girls.  Some, though not many, high schools have teams, but no schedule is ever put down on paper and no champion is ever crowned.  Recognizing the desire for more basketball instruction for girls within the area and a need to have our girls interact with players outside their team, we put the girls through hours of drills and scrimmages.  We split the girls into guards and forwards and PPI-SA coaches put them through catch and swing, one two pull up jumpers, drop steps, hook shots, and some extreme agility workouts.  By the afternoon, we split the girls into ten teams where they competed for the remaining several hours and put what they learned in the morning to test.

Basketball Manager Mtu Zulu, who led the post play in the morning, starting jumping up and down in excitement when he saw one of his post players executing a move the coaches had just taught hours ago.

“She ran down to the post at the block position, felt for her defender, recognized she was playing high, put up her left hand for a target, caught the ball, bounced with two hands as she dropped and sealed her defender and went up for an easy layup.  It was amazing.”

At the beginning of the day, we sat the girls down on the baseline and said two rules must be abided by: 1) don’t leave the premises without telling a coach (safety first!) and 2), you must make a friend.  If someone by the end of the day can name all the players within their group (all in all about 70 girls showed up thus each group of forwards and guards was about 20), then the winner will receive a brand new t-shirt, courtesy of donations from from friends and family in the US.  Two girls were able to name their groups in entirety, plus the remaining 15 coaches who came and volunteered on the Saturday.

In just one day of activity, we strengthened girls basketball throughout Durban by bridging the vast divides between the players. Just one benefit of basketball, the sport transcends the language barrier (isiZulu and English, among others in SA). Our players were still able to learn, share, and play the sport with only the love for the sport as their common bond, and we hope to host more clinics and tournaments throughout the rest of the year, in hopes one day, our high school girls can compete in an established high school league, with our PPI progammes leading the way.

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by | September 6, 2011 · 1:33 pm

NBA’s Basketball Without Borders visits South Africa

The BWB girls with WNBA greats Tamika (Williams) Raymond and Edna Campbell.

The four courts at St. John’s College in Johannesburg, South Africa, were constantly filled with teenage boys and girls, donned in matching black jerseys, black shorts, and white, ankle high Nike socks and basketball shoes. Enough basketballs for each camper (about 85 in total, 25 girls and 60 boys), the sounds of constant dribbling, sneakers scratching the clay courts,  and balls swishing through hoops created a symphony of basketball sounds from Sept 1 – Sept 4 as the best young talent gathered to learn from the best basketball coaches, recruiters, and General Managers in the world at the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders programme.

Lucky for PPI-SA, two of our own high school girls participated in the girl’s BWB camp and were the only representatives from Kwa-Zulu Natal province.  For the first time in BWB’s history, the girls competed for four days, compared to the usual one day clinic that has served the girls in the past. The 25 girls were the best of the best in South Africa, while the 60 boys represented the best of the best in all of Africa. The talent was out of this world.  It was a constant sight to watch the young, yet towering individuals, fly through the air for a dunk or shoot a 3 pt shot as easily as one of the Utah Jazz’s best, all time shooters, Jeff Hornacek (who, by the way, was one of the many legends present at the camp, along with Alonzo Mourning, Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, Tamika (Williams) Raymond, and Edna Campbell).

Our two LDP girls at a PPI-SA function already donning the SA gear, as if they knew they'd be representing SA at NBA's BWB.

Our two Leadership Development Programme (LDP) players participated in endless hours of drills and competed against one another throughout the four days, with help from Tamika, Edna, and SA’s top coaches.  Players went through life skills activities, exploring gender and stereotypes through interactive activities, similar to what we teach and preach here at PPI-SA.

The talent, on both sides of the camp, was high caliber. One of our girls earned all-star status and was lucky to play on the main stage in front of all the campers, NBA legends, and media; all the BWB activities will be broadcasted on SA’s SuperSport channel as well as America’s ESPN. Our players were lucky to learn from the best, though more importantly, they have been given the unbelievable opportunity to be exposed to SA’s most prominent coaches and the world’s most famous basketball, NBA and WNBA faces. Furthermore, they, and PPI-SA, have seen where we need to improve to further develop our players to reach the status of the best of the best in Africa, not just our province.

As we were waiting for our transportation back to Durban, which lasted about ten hours inside the airport, the girls had lots to say about what they learned and what they strive to accomplish.  They knew they were surrounded by the most famous basketball personnel in the world and were receiving first class instruction, though only in hindsight were they able to appreciate the importance of their experience.  As we discussed, they asked what specifically they need to improve to get better; and not only on the court, but also in the classroom and just as a person.  One of the girl’s realized she has a hot and cold attitude, that she quickly gets frustrated, so much so that she does not get back on defense.  Yet as we were sitting on the cold metal chairs in one of the airport’s lounges, she promised she would work on her attitude and her performance in school, recognizing the opportunity she just encountered and how if she doesn’t capitalize, the time spent at BWB will have been a waste and unfair to those girls who were not picked for the camp.

Our girls, and all the campers, learned much from the best and have dedicated themselves to constantly improving their game.  As PPI-SA, we have done much to develop the basketball talent in KZN, though have room to improve our practices as we strive to have more of our players represent themselves, and PPI-SA, at the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders. In the mean time, the girls said they’ll be at practice today, even after the many hours of playing these past four days. Their dedication and hard work will pay off.

For more information about the camp, visit the day by day updates at nba.com/home/bwb/.

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by | August 23, 2011 · 2:19 pm

Ann Curry and Family Visit PPI – South Africa

Ann gives out sweets to extremely excited programme participants during school hours.

“I just can’t stop smiling, thinking about what Ann and her family have done for us here.  They are angels on earth,” said one of our Area Coordinators today at our weekly office meeting when we debriefed the visit of our most recent visitors, NBC’s Dateline and Today Show’s co-anchor Ann Curry, her husband, Brian, son, Walker (16) and daughter, Mackenzie (18).

Brian high fives our Chatsworth participants.

In 2007, Ann Curry broadcasted a story about our program on NBC’s Today Show.  The piece emphasized the need for programs like PPI in South Africa and the positive impact PPI-SA had already had on thousands of participants since our programme opened its doors in 2001.  Just two weeks ago, Ann mentioned to our DC office that she and her family wanted to visit PPI-SA.  Ann was reporting in Mogadishu, Somalia on the Horn of Africa famine and wanted her family to join her in South Africa for a couple days for an African experience.  Could PPI-SA play host?

“Are they real?  They are people with such generosity and are just beyond incredible.  There was no act. And, the kids!  The kids, they just were so great, and you could tell what a good family they are.”  – Nasiphi Khafu, City Area Coordinator

Ann poses with our Molweni Area Coordinator after playing for three hours.

Yes, of course we were happy to hang out with the Curry family.  We put together an agenda that involved numerous school and practice visits to introduce the Ross/Curry family to South Africa.  According to the agenda, the family was to be picked up at the airport and rest until Ann came in later that night.  Instead, Brian, Walker, and Mackenzie quickly changed into basketball gear and journeyed with some our staff to a nearby basketball court where we played a competitive two hours of 4-on-4 basketball.  The desire to play ball and interact with one another on the court was a running request throughout their four day visit, which we gladly obliged.

“They were just humble. They treated everyone like individuals and on the same level, no matter if we were talking one on one or playing tough basketball on the court.” – Thobani Khumalo, Lamontville and Chatsworth Area Coordinator

Walker plays with Umlazi particpants.

The mornings were jam-packed with meetings with our programme’s schools in our seven different areas.  Principals and school representatives welcomed our guests with incredible testaments to PPI-SA’s positive influence in their community, in addition to plates and bowls of local treats: samoosas, bunny chow, and ‘slider’ type sandwiches filled with spicy lentil and meat patties.  Often the meetings would linger on to the school’s basketball court, where the family attracted every single pupil out of classrooms and on to the court. Students clad in school uniforms and school shoes started throwing up basketballs, airballing almost every attempt, though not caring as they were a) out of school and b) playing with famous, ‘mlungu (white people),’ from America.  Ann and her family visited our primary schools and high schools (Leadership Development Programme) and at every session, they joined in the basketball drills and life skills sessions.  The more basketball they were able to play, the better.

Not every day do we have a chance to meet, let alone hang out with, someone as well known as Ann Curry.  Yet, every day we are quick to assume what some famous person must be like and if ever given the chance to meet someone of such a stature, how Hollywood they would be, almost untouchable because they just live an unimaginable life.

“They fit right into our PPI family of sharing and caring.  The easily linked to every single one of us because we all have this common desire to do good.  They were the perfect family to represent the PPI way, which is learn, share, and care.” – Mandla Sibulawa, Wentworth Area Coordinator

The staff out to dinner with the Curry/Ross family.

Ann, Brian, Mackenzie, and Walker, though obvious visitors because of their light skin, could not have fit in better with our PPI-SA family.  Every school and progamme activity they visited, they carried with them full bags of fruit, sweets, and basketballs.  Unfortunately, even though our program teaches basketball, we lack what you’d think are necessities.  Without a second thought, the Curry/Ross family just made things happen.  They bought our programme basketballs,  needles and pumps. Our programme also lacked proper documentation tools, like computers and cameras.  No worries, the family purchased our office two laptops and video cameras.

Their generosity is/was just second nature.  They saw a need and they filled the void with what they could provide. Too many times our staff would just be staring blankly, gaping at the the family’s extreme generosity.  There is no doubt in our mind’s Ann, Brian, Walker, and Mackenzie are just genuinely good natured people who just want to make a positive difference wherever they can.  Ann was full with positive advice, often citing her family’s background and her ability to follow her passion wholeheartedly, to succeed and be happy, living a life doing what one is passionate about.

“I’ve never experienced such generosity.  They were lavish in their giving, always asking how they can help.  I was and still am in shock.  Just speechless for the true words to accurately describe what good people they all are.” – Sbo Vilakazi, PPI-SA’s Managing Director

To Ann, Brian, Walker, and Mackenzie, thank you a thousand times over.  You have made what we thought impossible, possible; your generosity is unmatched.  The participants, school representatives, principals and staff members will forever remember your visit and eagerly await your next visit. Thank you.

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by | July 26, 2011 · 1:35 pm

Focus on Wentworth

PPI-SA's Wentworth school celebrates after a game.

PPI-SA currently serves seven different program areas, all different from the next.  Some of our areas work with mainly African, Zulu communities where HIV/AIDS is the most pressing issue in the area.  Other areas are considered Indian communities where the manufacturing and distribution of South Africa’s most dangerous drugs are of constant threat.  A third environment we work with is with the Coloured community, who, historically, have struggled to place themselves in the South African society between the Whites, Indians, and Africans.  Throughout Southern Africa’s history of racial segregation, government placed all mixed-raced peoples as one, distinct group who would receive different rights than other racial groups. During apartheid, Coloureds did not have to carry around an ID book, as the Africans were forced to as a strict means to limit their travel.  However, Coloureds were not given the same rights as South African Whites as they were forced to use separate amenities, beaches, and schools.

Our girls are disappointed after a loss to another Wentworth school.

The one area where we work with Coloureds is called Wentworth.  And Wentworth’s biggest struggle is violence.  From the day a kid is born in Wentworth, they are introduced to gang, drug, and general violence, whether from the constant blare of the television or just outside their windows on the streets.  Our three schools are within three kilometres of each other and when games ensue, the players walk with their coaches to the neighboring school. Without a doubt, a fight will break out at a game, not just against the opposing team rather within one’s team will you see primary school youth yelling and scuffing with one another.  For as little as not receiving the ball on one trip down the court, will you see teammates shout at each other for not sharing.  Our life skills programme, recognizing the need for conflict resolution, has sessions targeted towards discussion and debate on cultural expectations and working as as team to respect each other.

A Wentie's player pulls up her socks to compete in the game in her school shoes.

For all the fighting and swearing that might happen in Wentworth, no where else will you see the passion our participants feel for every life skills and basketball session.  Each Wentworth game is full with dancing sideline participants as entire schools pitch to watch their classmates compete against other Wentworth schools.  Our Wentworth coaches are the most patient and enthusiastic of all our coaches in hopes their energy can match the participants’ constant zeal.   Mandla Sibulawa, our current Area Coordinator of Wentworth and PPI-SA poster child as a graduate of our Primary School and Leadership Development Programmes, loves the area as, “there’s never a day where nothing happens.  Always, always, are people talking, fighting, supporting, loving, and then repeat.  I love the kids and look forward to heading out to Wenties (affectionately known as) every time.”  He continues to say, “the Coloureds are one huge family.  Everyone knows one another and looks to help one another to accomplish their goal.”  Mandla coyly mentioned this goal might be to have all young men become part of one gang, which does not necessarily prove positive for the community. As Mandla puts it, “That’s where we (PPI-SA) come in.  If Wenties people are already working together to form gangs and compete for their lives, then why can’t PPI come in and teach our participants to work together towards accomplishing one common, positive goal.  Doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going to win our game though if we host a game where no team fights with one another or against the other, we (coaches and staff) did okay.  Small steps but I think, I know, we’re making a difference.”

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