July 2025

What’s the problem?

In the informal settlement of Msholozi, outside Mbombela in Mpumalanga, there were high rates of crime, especially housebreakings and muggings. A severe lack of opportunities for young people in the community was leading many to rely on drug use and criminal activities like theft, according to community leader Robson Ndlovu.  

How are they fixing it?

Robson Ndlovu is transforming his neighbourhood into a safer place by both working with the local Community Policing Forum (CPF) and using his passion for dance, soccer and music to teach and engage young people. 

What makes it work?

• Creating soccer grounds. Residents in Msholozi came together to clear an area to create a soccer field. They planted some banana trees along the side of the field for shade and are growing grass on it, creating a public space that the Msholozi community is invested in. These soccer fields are now home ground to the four teams that Ndlovu helps to coach, three for young men and boys and one for women. Regularly on weekends, they host mini-tournaments that attract large crowds of supporters. 

• Building community pride with music and dance. With the help of a music and dance teacher at Boschrand Primary school, a team of young people are being taught to perform traditional Swazi dances and play marimba. Ndlovu is also a music producer and artist, creating amapiano tracks under the name Stay Fresh SA. In an effort to share his passion, he mentors aspiring young artists. Teaching dance and music provides an important creative outlet for Msolozi’s youth.  ****

• Partnering with the local Community Policing Forum (CPF). Ndlovu volunteers with the Msholozi CPF, who often support his efforts to coach soccer and create opportunities for the community’s youth. He says, “This place is under control now. They used to be guns, firing all over and theft all over. But since we joined together, and we became the CPF and we're patrolling together with the police… the crime is slow now.”

• Staying committed despite limited resources. Support for community initiatives can come and go. Some years, the soccer teams get sponsorships for uniforms and soccer balls, but often it's a real challenge to get even the most basic support. Staying committed to the youth means showing up even when no one else does.

Ndlovu says that providing opportunities through arts and sport means that the community of Msholozi can “accommodate all young ones so that they can be out of drugs and theft.” Thanks to the relationships built through these efforts, the streets are safer for everyone.

Acknowledgements 

Photo: Robson Ndlovu 

Author: Maru Attwood