PeacePlayers South Africa Storybook FINAL - Flipbook - Page 104
PeacePlayers local training and global interactions have equipped her with the
skills to strategically tackle and solve problems that affect young teenagers'
lives. Her approach is to help participants understand that they are leaders
in their community who are capable change makers. Just like Coach Thobani
made the court a safe space for Thandeka, she makes the court a judgment-free
zone where, collectively, everyone helps each other tackle challenges faced
either at home, with friends, or in the community.
Thandeka hopes to get more sponsors for their community team and court
which is in bad condition. The Cwebezela court has developed dozens
of successful players who play basketball at different levels. This court
will continue to have more success stories if its conditions can be improved.
When asked to describe what her home court symbolizes to her, Thandeka
characterizes Cwebezela courts as "peaceful, and a place for interpersonal
growth, unity, life-changing experiences and therapy." She has grown and been
an example of resilience. With her newly created nonprofit organisation, NUZ
ALIVE, she organises outreach projects that include clean up days at the school,
the court and holiday festivals.
When Thandeka was a participant, she learned to socialize with other
participants from different places, backgrounds, and ethnic groups. Respecting
others for their differences was a pivotal turning point for her to be able to lead
in the way that she currently does. As a coach, she openly shares her story,
knowledge, and experiences locally and globally. Thandeka is now confidently
entrusted with taking the lead in Umlazi when her area coordinator isn't
available to oversee the day-to-day operations. This is a complete 180-degree
change from when she was suspended from the organisation. Thandeka has
seen first-hand the consequences of a few bad decisions, so she does her best to
keep participants on the right path and lead by example.
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PEACEPLAYERS SOUTH AFRICA STORYBOOK
