Youngsters Own the Street for Youth Day

For two hours on Youth Day, Sydney Street in Mowbray was filled with children and activities, instead of cars.

For two hours on Youth Day, Sydney Street in Mowbray was filled with children. They played soccer and learned to skate and drum and practise the martial art of capoeira.

The event was inspired by similar events held by Open Streets, in which streets are cordoned off for activities.

Marlise Richter, organiser of the Mowbray event and resident of Sydney Street, said the event was a celebration of children.

She said that she would love to see more public spaces used for sport and recreation. The event was done in collaboration with Putney Road in Brixton, Johannesburg.

Marco Morgan teaches five-year-old Mo Aderemi to skate for the very first time. Aderemi’s mother, Shakira, said that it’s fun to see all the kids playing together. Shakira lives in nearby flats. She says that there is no playground nearby and it’s great not having her son cooped up inside and rather out making friends.

Marcio Lopes teaches capoeira. Lopes, whose nickname is Professor Beleza, says that capoeira strengthens the body and mind, making youngsters “resilient”.

Sydney Street was closed for two hours.

Lungela Ngamlana, of the Isango Ensemble, gave a drum class.

Marlise Richter, organiser of the event, says that there aren’t enough sport facilities in the neighbourhood, so kids have to play sport in the street.

Ending off the event, Williams Awodele played the trumpet.

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