All Article Properties:
{
"access_control": false,
"status": "publish",
"objectType": "Article",
"id": "2015626",
"signature": "Article:2015626",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-01-16-from-boardslides-to-kickflips-mamelodi-skate-club-grinds-poverty-to-empower-youth-through-skateboarding/",
"shorturl": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2015626",
"slug": "from-boardslides-to-kickflips-mamelodi-skate-club-grinds-poverty-to-empower-youth-through-skateboarding",
"contentType": {
"id": "1",
"name": "Article",
"slug": "article"
},
"views": 0,
"comments": 2,
"preview_limit": null,
"excludedFromGoogleSearchEngine": 0,
"title": "From boardslides to kickflips — Mamelodi Skate Club grinds poverty to empower youth through skateboarding",
"firstPublished": "2024-01-16 13:44:59",
"lastUpdate": "2024-01-16 13:44:59",
"categories": [
{
"id": "29",
"name": "South Africa",
"signature": "Category:29",
"slug": "south-africa",
"typeId": {
"typeId": "1",
"name": "Daily Maverick",
"slug": "",
"includeInIssue": "0",
"shortened_domain": "",
"stylesheetClass": "",
"domain": "staging.dailymaverick.co.za",
"articleUrlPrefix": "",
"access_groups": "[]",
"locale": "",
"preview_limit": null
},
"parentId": null,
"parent": [],
"image": "",
"cover": "",
"logo": "",
"paid": "0",
"objectType": "Category",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/category/south-africa/",
"cssCode": "",
"template": "default",
"tagline": "",
"link_param": null,
"description": "Daily Maverick is an independent online news publication and weekly print newspaper in South Africa.\r\n\r\nIt is known for breaking some of the defining stories of South Africa in the past decade, including the Marikana Massacre, in which the South African Police Service killed 34 miners in August 2012.\r\n\r\nIt also investigated the Gupta Leaks, which won the 2019 Global Shining Light Award.\r\n\r\nThat investigation was credited with exposing the Indian-born Gupta family and former President Jacob Zuma for their role in the systemic political corruption referred to as state capture.\r\n\r\nIn 2018, co-founder and editor-in-chief Branislav ‘Branko’ Brkic was awarded the country’s prestigious Nat Nakasa Award, recognised for initiating the investigative collaboration after receiving the hard drive that included the email tranche.\r\n\r\nIn 2021, co-founder and CEO Styli Charalambous also received the award.\r\n\r\nDaily Maverick covers the latest political and news developments in South Africa with breaking news updates, analysis, opinions and more.",
"metaDescription": "",
"order": "0",
"pageId": null,
"articlesCount": null,
"allowComments": "1",
"accessType": "freecount",
"status": "1",
"children": [],
"cached": true
},
{
"id": "387188",
"name": "Maverick News",
"signature": "Category:387188",
"slug": "maverick-news",
"typeId": {
"typeId": "1",
"name": "Daily Maverick",
"slug": "",
"includeInIssue": "0",
"shortened_domain": "",
"stylesheetClass": "",
"domain": "staging.dailymaverick.co.za",
"articleUrlPrefix": "",
"access_groups": "[]",
"locale": "",
"preview_limit": null
},
"parentId": null,
"parent": [],
"image": "",
"cover": "",
"logo": "",
"paid": "0",
"objectType": "Category",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/category/maverick-news/",
"cssCode": "",
"template": "default",
"tagline": "",
"link_param": null,
"description": "",
"metaDescription": "",
"order": "0",
"pageId": null,
"articlesCount": null,
"allowComments": "1",
"accessType": "freecount",
"status": "1",
"children": [],
"cached": true
}
],
"content_length": 4405,
"contents": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The resources to open the park are in place, and a suitable location has been identified; all that’s needed is the allocation of space to Tateni Community Care Services, the non-governmental organisation under which the skate club falls.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2015598\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482254.jpg\" alt=\"Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme, skateboarding\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> <em>A keen skateboarder at he Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme. (Photo by Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Poelo Mofolo (29), a member of Tateni, they are a community-based NGO founded in 1995 by residents dedicated to alleviating poverty for the people of Mamelodi. </span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2015603\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482210.jpg\" alt=\"Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme\" width=\"720\" height=\"451\" /> <em>Thomas Nkosi (left) and Poelo Mofolo assist a child during the Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“We care for the aged, orphans and vulnerable children, school leavers and youth,” says Mofolo.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2015605\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482198-1.jpg\" alt=\"Mamelodi, skateboardng\" width=\"720\" height=\"413\" /> <em>Thomas Nkosi, a volunteer, leading children in exercises during the Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme at Mamelodi Beer Hall Skatepark on 7 December, 2023 in Mamelodi. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the reasons Tateni want to open a permanent skatepark is to expand their school holiday programme, which provides skate lessons for beginners two to three times a week during school holidays. This initiative, catering to children from various schools in Mamelodi East and West, is part of the comprehensive programme offered by Tateni Community Care Services.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2015597\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482203.jpg\" alt=\"Poelo Mofolo, skateboarding\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> <em>Poelo Mofolo assists a child during the holiday programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The venue they are currently using in Mamelodi West is an old basketball court that is too small for the amount of interested children. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Read more in Daily Maverick:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-01-02-skateboarding-school-teaches-cape-kids-cool-tricks-vital-skills/\">Cape Town skateboarding school on a mission to teach kids cool tricks and vital skills for life</a> </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“We are only allowed to have a few participants at a time, which makes the venue “exclusive” instead of being “inclusive” says Mofolo.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2015579\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482220.jpg\" alt=\"skateboarding\" width=\"720\" height=\"459\" /> <i>Selina Masia shows her enthusiasm for skateboarding. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</i></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The venue is closed on weekends which means the club can’t host events like skateboarding competitions and other workshops at a time when young people could participate. </span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2015584\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate02.jpg\" alt=\"Mamelodi Skate Club\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" /> <em>The school holiday programme relies on volunteers to teach the kids. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Having a permanent skatepark would allow skateboarders from Mamelodi to have their own space where we can have permanent skate obstacles that would allow skateboarders to practice and progress in the sport”.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2015583\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_484176.jpg\" alt=\"Mamelodi Skateboard Club\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" /> <em>The Mamelodi Skateboard Club uses the basketball court during their holiday programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skateboarding promotes physical activity and provides a safe space for children to play and learn according to Mofolo. The skate club and lessons form part of Tateni’s broader youth programmes. They provide food parcels and focus on after-school initiatives like aiding children with their homework.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2015602\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482212.jpg\" alt=\"Poelo Mofolo\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> <em>Poelo Mofolo highlights the transformative power of skateboarding. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For members without access to skateboards and equipment, an innovative approach is taken. Participants can earn points by contributing to vegetable gardens at Tateni, which can then be exchanged for skateboards and other items. This system encourages participation and instils a sense of responsibility.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2015582\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482257.jpg\" alt=\"Mamelodi Skate Club\" width=\"720\" height=\"469\" /> <em>The Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme provides fun opportunities for the youth. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mofolo highlights the transformative power of skateboarding, emphasising its ability to expose individuals to diverse cultures and people. Mofolo believes that skateboarding teaches resilience, emphasising the importance of getting back up after a fall — a lesson applicable to life’s challenges.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2015585\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate12.jpg\" alt=\"skateboarding\" width=\"720\" height=\"443\" /> <em>Children helping each other during the Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The skate lessons owe their success to dedicated volunteers from the skate club like Thomas Nkosi, who contribute their time and expertise to the programme. One of the club’s more experienced skaters, BJ Maleka, aged 15, talks about the positive impact of skateboarding on his life.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2015573\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482201.jpg\" alt=\"skateboarding\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> <em>The holiday programme <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">encourages participation and instils a sense of responsibility</span>. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having been skating since 2019, Maleka shares that skateboarding is not only fun but also keeps him out of trouble. </span><b>DM</b>",
"teaser": "From boardslides to kickflips — Mamelodi Skate Club grinds poverty to empower youth through skateboarding",
"externalUrl": "",
"sponsor": null,
"authors": [
{
"id": "278292",
"name": "Alet Pretorius",
"image": "",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/author/alet-pretorius/",
"editorialName": "alet-pretorius",
"department": "",
"name_latin": ""
}
],
"description": "",
"keywords": [
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "6956",
"name": "Mamelodi",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/mamelodi/",
"slug": "mamelodi",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Mamelodi",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "55683",
"name": "Skateboarding",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/skateboarding/",
"slug": "skateboarding",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Skateboarding",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "351092",
"name": "youth development",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/youth-development/",
"slug": "youth-development",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "youth development",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "392497",
"name": "youth clubs",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/youth-clubs/",
"slug": "youth-clubs",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "youth clubs",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "403222",
"name": "Alet Pretorius",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/alet-pretorius/",
"slug": "alet-pretorius",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Alet Pretorius",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "413851",
"name": "Mamelodi Skate Club",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/mamelodi-skate-club/",
"slug": "mamelodi-skate-club",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Mamelodi Skate Club",
"translations": null
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "413852",
"name": "Tateni Community Care Services",
"url": "https://staging.dailymaverick.co.za/keyword/tateni-community-care-services/",
"slug": "tateni-community-care-services",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Tateni Community Care Services",
"translations": null
}
}
],
"short_summary": null,
"source": null,
"related": [],
"options": [],
"attachments": [
{
"id": "101982",
"name": "Children practice skateboarding at the Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)",
"description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The resources to open the park are in place, and a suitable location has been identified; all that’s needed is the allocation of space to Tateni Community Care Services, the non-governmental organisation under which the skate club falls.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2015598\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2015598\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482254.jpg\" alt=\"Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme, skateboarding\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> <em>A keen skateboarder at he Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme. (Photo by Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Poelo Mofolo (29), a member of Tateni, they are a community-based NGO founded in 1995 by residents dedicated to alleviating poverty for the people of Mamelodi. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2015603\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2015603\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482210.jpg\" alt=\"Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme\" width=\"720\" height=\"451\" /> <em>Thomas Nkosi (left) and Poelo Mofolo assist a child during the Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“We care for the aged, orphans and vulnerable children, school leavers and youth,” says Mofolo.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2015605\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2015605\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482198-1.jpg\" alt=\"Mamelodi, skateboardng\" width=\"720\" height=\"413\" /> <em>Thomas Nkosi, a volunteer, leading children in exercises during the Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme at Mamelodi Beer Hall Skatepark on 7 December, 2023 in Mamelodi. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the reasons Tateni want to open a permanent skatepark is to expand their school holiday programme, which provides skate lessons for beginners two to three times a week during school holidays. This initiative, catering to children from various schools in Mamelodi East and West, is part of the comprehensive programme offered by Tateni Community Care Services.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2015597\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2015597\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482203.jpg\" alt=\"Poelo Mofolo, skateboarding\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> <em>Poelo Mofolo assists a child during the holiday programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The venue they are currently using in Mamelodi West is an old basketball court that is too small for the amount of interested children. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Read more in Daily Maverick:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-01-02-skateboarding-school-teaches-cape-kids-cool-tricks-vital-skills/\">Cape Town skateboarding school on a mission to teach kids cool tricks and vital skills for life</a> </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“We are only allowed to have a few participants at a time, which makes the venue “exclusive” instead of being “inclusive” says Mofolo.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2015579\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2015579\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482220.jpg\" alt=\"skateboarding\" width=\"720\" height=\"459\" /> <i>Selina Masia shows her enthusiasm for skateboarding. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</i>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The venue is closed on weekends which means the club can’t host events like skateboarding competitions and other workshops at a time when young people could participate. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2015584\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2015584\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate02.jpg\" alt=\"Mamelodi Skate Club\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" /> <em>The school holiday programme relies on volunteers to teach the kids. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Having a permanent skatepark would allow skateboarders from Mamelodi to have their own space where we can have permanent skate obstacles that would allow skateboarders to practice and progress in the sport”.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2015583\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2015583\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_484176.jpg\" alt=\"Mamelodi Skateboard Club\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" /> <em>The Mamelodi Skateboard Club uses the basketball court during their holiday programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skateboarding promotes physical activity and provides a safe space for children to play and learn according to Mofolo. The skate club and lessons form part of Tateni’s broader youth programmes. They provide food parcels and focus on after-school initiatives like aiding children with their homework.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2015602\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2015602\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482212.jpg\" alt=\"Poelo Mofolo\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> <em>Poelo Mofolo highlights the transformative power of skateboarding. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For members without access to skateboards and equipment, an innovative approach is taken. Participants can earn points by contributing to vegetable gardens at Tateni, which can then be exchanged for skateboards and other items. This system encourages participation and instils a sense of responsibility.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2015582\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2015582\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482257.jpg\" alt=\"Mamelodi Skate Club\" width=\"720\" height=\"469\" /> <em>The Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme provides fun opportunities for the youth. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mofolo highlights the transformative power of skateboarding, emphasising its ability to expose individuals to diverse cultures and people. Mofolo believes that skateboarding teaches resilience, emphasising the importance of getting back up after a fall — a lesson applicable to life’s challenges.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2015585\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2015585\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate12.jpg\" alt=\"skateboarding\" width=\"720\" height=\"443\" /> <em>Children helping each other during the Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The skate lessons owe their success to dedicated volunteers from the skate club like Thomas Nkosi, who contribute their time and expertise to the programme. One of the club’s more experienced skaters, BJ Maleka, aged 15, talks about the positive impact of skateboarding on his life.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2015573\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2015573\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ED_482201.jpg\" alt=\"skateboarding\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> <em>The holiday programme <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">encourages participation and instils a sense of responsibility</span>. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having been skating since 2019, Maleka shares that skateboarding is not only fun but also keeps him out of trouble. </span><b>DM</b>",
"focal": "50% 50%",
"width": 0,
"height": 0,
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate10.jpg",
"transforms": [
{
"x": "200",
"y": "100",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/lShyFrLlkCXc2SKvZop-tkVVbTc=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate10.jpg"
},
{
"x": "450",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/DwMSYzSfOQo0IlKOhnXQuCv2IgA=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate10.jpg"
},
{
"x": "800",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/WFTdgza2_Y4aOkFAQVGLiJw-0kg=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate10.jpg"
},
{
"x": "1200",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/Jxjd80zajWKVGTav6KXqaFrUKNY=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate10.jpg"
},
{
"x": "1600",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/_6d1szLmQBB9nfydudo0taH9XAU=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate10.jpg"
}
],
"url_thumbnail": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/lShyFrLlkCXc2SKvZop-tkVVbTc=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate10.jpg",
"url_medium": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/DwMSYzSfOQo0IlKOhnXQuCv2IgA=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate10.jpg",
"url_large": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/WFTdgza2_Y4aOkFAQVGLiJw-0kg=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate10.jpg",
"url_xl": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/Jxjd80zajWKVGTav6KXqaFrUKNY=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate10.jpg",
"url_xxl": "https://dmcdn.whitebeard.net/i/_6d1szLmQBB9nfydudo0taH9XAU=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newskate10.jpg",
"type": "image"
}
],
"summary": "Mamelodi Skate Club has big community goals. They plan to open a skatepark in Mamelodi that can also serve as an educational centre, providing homework assistance and access to resources for local children.",
"template_type": null,
"dm_custom_section_label": null,
"elements": [],
"seo": {
"search_title": "From boardslides to kickflips — Mamelodi Skate Club grinds poverty to empower youth through skateboarding",
"search_description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The resources to open the park are in place, and a suitable location has been identified; all that’s needed is the allocation of space to Tateni Community Care Services",
"social_title": "From boardslides to kickflips — Mamelodi Skate Club grinds poverty to empower youth through skateboarding",
"social_description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The resources to open the park are in place, and a suitable location has been identified; all that’s needed is the allocation of space to Tateni Community Care Services",
"social_image": ""
},
"cached": true,
"access_allowed": true
} 
A keen skateboarder at he Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme. (Photo by Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)
Thomas Nkosi (left) and Poelo Mofolo assist a child during the Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)
Thomas Nkosi, a volunteer, leading children in exercises during the Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme at Mamelodi Beer Hall Skatepark on 7 December, 2023 in Mamelodi. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)
Poelo Mofolo assists a child during the holiday programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)
Selina Masia shows her enthusiasm for skateboarding. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)
The school holiday programme relies on volunteers to teach the kids. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)
The Mamelodi Skateboard Club uses the basketball court during their holiday programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)
Poelo Mofolo highlights the transformative power of skateboarding. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)
The Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme provides fun opportunities for the youth. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)
Children helping each other during the Mamelodi Skate Club School Holiday Programme. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)
The holiday programme encourages participation and instils a sense of responsibility. (Photo: Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius)