Langa youth embrace exciting new homework hub and cycling spot

Lonwabo Marele|Published 5 months ago

Co-founder of the initiative Mkumbuzi Ntlakana shares the vision for a youth filled with opportunity.

IMzu Cycling Tours launched its non-profit organisation, iMzu Youth Development Project, in Langa, on Saturday November 9.

The social project was welcomed by the community in fine fashion, with young girls doing a traditional dance, boys singing songs of hope, as well as the elders sharing words of comfort for a brighter future.

Under the theme “Eat, Read, and Cycle,” a new community space has opened with three containers, offering the youth from emaholweni (LTA) a place to do homework, access the internet, and join the cycling club. The centre also includes a soup kitchen to continue providing meals for local residents.

Co-founder of the non-profit organisation, Mzukisi Lembeni started his cycling company, iMzu Tours in 2006, bringing tourists to Khayelitsha. He officially registered his company in 2011 and expanded with tours to Langa.

To find a way to invest back into the community, Lembeni and Mkumbuzi Ntlakana launched the iMzu Youth Development Project.

“The reason I came up with this idea was after seeing these houses inside. It is a 6-meter container. Sometimes kids do not have space to do their homework. When they are able to do their homework they get a chance to apply for university. We also give them a skill. When they pass grade 12 I can try some channels to get them to university,” said Lembeni.

The budding entrepreneur said they used to give out food parcels, until one of the parents sold it in exchange for alcohol.

“I used to support about 30 families with parcels but it did not touch my heart as much as it should. Sometimes you give them food and then what? The other day we got groceries and one of the fathers sold the parcel to the community and then after two hours this guy was drunk. I realised I need to invest back into the community this way, with the youth project,” said Lembeni.

Ntlakana said it is not easy, however, the children now have a space that is much safer than the streets.

He acknowledged their junior football and netball teams that received new kit and training equipment.

The non-profit is open to the public who wish to contribute to the cause. Although they have the space, they require computers and an internet connection to solidify their dream.

For more information, call Mzukisi Lembeni on 073 507 3622 or email info@imzutours.co.za

Co-founder of the initiative Mkumbuzi Ntlakana shares the vision for a youth filled with opportunity.

Mzukisi Lembeni says the job is simple: to take care of the youth by helping to shape their mindset in a positive direction.

A proud parent halaluting as the youth do a traditional dance.

There are three containers split into three sections, for the homework station, the cycling station and the soup kitchen station.

The township cycling tours station by iMzu Cycling Tours.

Fathers came out in numbers to join the launch.

Parents clapping during umxentso, a traditional Xhosa dance done during special ceremonies.

Tourists were giving away sweeties to the bundles of joy.

Community leader Ndikho Kosile said the youth are the future.

Mama Buyiswa Lembeni acknowledging the work it takes to raise children in a caring environment.

Tourists were treated to a day out in the hood.

Mama Nokwayintombi Mashicila said her husband was one of the first people to build in Langa.

Langa senior resident Zukile Cotani welcomed the new initiative, saying it will keep the youth busy.