How a Mitchells Plain officer is transforming youth lives through sport and mentorship

Constable Sinovuyo Seti, 36, stationed at the Mitchells Plain police, is taking community policing beyond the badge.

With a decade of law enforcement experience, he has seen first-hand the dangers facing local youth—but he believes mentorship and engagement can make a bigger difference than patrols alone.

In 2023, he began a youth training initiative in his own neighbourhood, starting with informal football sessions in front of his home. “I was just exercising in my spare time when a few children approached me and asked if they could train with me. I started with three boys, and over time, that number has grown significantly. Today, I train more than 50 children, and it has become much more than just football or exercise," he said. 

He combines physical training with mentorship, teaching life skills, and promoting personal growth. His sessions include strength training, aerobics, agility drills, and street games.

Training runs from Monday to Wednesday, his off days from police duties, and lasts about two hours per session.

“Our community faces huge challenges with drugs and gang-related crime. If these children are not engaged in meaningful activities, someone else will fill that gap with negative influences. My goal is to provide them with skills, guidance, and a safe environment so they can make positive choices.”

"I’ve realised that for some of these children, the training sessions are more than just sport - they’re a place of healing. I also provide small meals for those who need them, because sometimes that little bit of support can make a huge difference,” he said. 

He said his project was entirely self-funded, and he hopes local businesses and the wider community can contribute to the initiative. “Some of the children come with worn-out shoes, and I pay for all the equipment from my own pocket. If local businesses can help, we could expand and provide even more opportunities for these kids.”

Constable Seti said his passion for training and active living has always been a part of him. “From the early 2000s, I have been active and committed to fitness. Joining the police was about making a difference, but this initiative lets me touch lives in a personal way.”

He hopes his programme will inspire others to take action in their communities. “I want this initiative to grow and serve as motivation for others to start something similar. If we don’t guide young people and keep them engaged, gangsterism and drug abuse will find them.

"I’m doing this to show that one person can make a difference, and I want others to see that they can too,” he said. 

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