Youth Day on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, was marked through sport, games and community activities at venues across Cape Town, as young people came together in safe public spaces to connect, compete and celebrate. The City’s Recreation and Parks Department, working with ward councillors and community partners, hosted activities in areas including Malibu, Khayelitsha, Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, Lentegeur and Lotus River.
Youth from communities across the metropole came together to celebrate Youth Day through sport, recreation and community activities. The eight participating facilities projected a combined attendance of 1 800 young people.
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department, together with ward representatives and a range of community partners, once again transformed public spaces into vibrant hubs of activity, creating safe environments where young people could connect, compete and celebrate the spirit of Youth Day.
At Malibu Sports Field, wards 108 and 114 hosted a high school sports tournament featuring soccer and netball teams from the Mfuleni and Bardale communities. The tournament showcased local talent and reinforced the important role that sport plays in empowering young people and fostering positive competition.
At Khayelitsha Tusong Centre and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, participants were introduced to a variety of recreation games aimed at keeping young people active while celebrating Youth Day in an inclusive and enjoyable environment.
The activities encouraged participation, teamwork and social interaction, providing many with the opportunity to experience new games and develop valuable life skills.
In Khayelitsha, Mandela Park Stadium came alive with soccer and netball activities, while additional Youth Day programmes in Lentegeur and Lotus River provided opportunities for young residents to engage in organised sport and activities close to home.
‘It’s encouraging to see that so many young people participated in our events, coming together for a common purpose. It also demonstrated the value that communities place on accessible sport and recreation programmes.
‘As Youth Month continues, the City remains committed to investing in programmes that inspire, empower and support young people, ensuring that sport and recreation continue to serve as important platforms for growth, inclusion and community development,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
The success of the day’s programmes was made possible through collaboration between the City’s Recreation and Parks Department, ward councillors, community organisations, local stakeholders and other partners who continue to work together to create positive opportunities for youth.
