Grassroots Youth

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Grassroots Youth

Grassroots Youth helps disadvantaged youth to realize their full potential by providing weekly acade

Grassroots Youth Development began in 2007 under the name Grassroots Boxing Academy. Jongi Kamko, a local boxing coach established GYD when he realised that he needed to offer more than boxing coaching to the young people of Makhaza. Now, in addition to boxing offered at Jongi's gym - GYD offers academic support to primary and high school students in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, every Saturday morning. Volunteer university students and professionals provide homework support and guidance to older learners, and for those under 7 years old - a fun reading group to help develop literacy skills. The founder, Jongi Kamko, decided to devote his life to helping others after his professional boxing career was cut short (and he nearly lost his legs) due to an infection. He was told by a local doctor that his legs would have to be amputated. He prayed that if he were to be healed he would give his time and energy to helping others. After visiting a local healer, his legs did begin to get better and he fully healed after a year. He started the Grassroots as a means to give back to others and help reduce the violence that plagues his community. The boxing instruction and mentorship provided by Jongi, along with social support from peers at the gym, acted to keep kids focused and away from the violence in the streets. In 2013, in an effort to address additional challenges that children face, Grassroots Boxing Academy initiated both education and nutrition programs. To reflect this new broader mandate the organization was renamed Grassroots Youth Development. On February 22, 2014 Grassroots officially launched it's education and nutrition programs by offering reading classes, homework help, and a health snack for kids in Makhaza, Khayelitsha. Grassroots integrates three programs (Athletics, Education, and Nutrition) to offer holistic support of youth development.

30/08/2025

Great success at the Riebeek Kasteel 45km MTB race today. Clean sweep of the podium - Ntokozo chasing me all the way into 2nd. Axola in 3rd. Njongo unfortunately took a nasty tumble.

03/08/2025

Devenbosch Mud, Sweat and Beers trail run this morning. Esona taking 3rd in the women’s 5k and Inamandla taking 3rd in the men’s. Lovely morning in the Winelands.

02/08/2025

Beautiful Grassroots Chappies ride. Sadly a cyclist was killed hitting a bus on the route shortly after we left the look-out point. It’s been a very sad week for the cycling community in Cape Town. Our condolences to the cyclist’s family and friends.

21/06/2025

Devenbosch 10km Trail Run this morning. Grassroots lads taking a clean sweep of the podium. Axola in first place, Bukhosi 16 seconds behind and Ntokozo in 3rd. Special morning out.

24/05/2025

Ronde van Riebeeck gravel race with the Grassroots lads. Beautiful autumn morning to be on the bikes.

26/04/2025

Grassroots Stellies sunshine ride (with two new young riders).

08/03/2025

Gearing up for the Second Sunday in March. Cape Town Cycle Tour time! 13 Grassroots riders taking on the 109km challenge tomorrow. Much excitement all round.

05/02/2025

Boxing, weights and ladies. Busy, busy at the Grassroots gym.

02/02/2025

Super chilled Sunday Stellenbosch spin.

26/01/2025

Busy Grassroots cycling weekend. Team ride to Stellenbosch yesterday and the Winelands race today. Bukhosi Qwabe taking 4th place overall in the 52km race. Following up his success as a trail runner now on the bike. And a successful first race for Njongo Mapisa.

Address

137 Hlala Street
Cape Town
7784

Telephone

+27214241542

Website

http://grassrootsyouthacademy.org/

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Our Story

Grassroots Youth Development began in 2007 under the name Grassroots Boxing Academy. Jongi Kamko, a local boxing coach established GYD when he realised that he needed to offer more than boxing coaching to the young people of Makhaza. Now, in addition to boxing offered at Jongi's gym - GYD offers academic support to primary and high school students in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, every Saturday morning. Volunteer university students and professionals provide homework support and guidance to older learners, and for those under 7 years old - a fun reading group to help develop literacy skills. The founder, Jongi Kamko, decided to devote his life to helping others after his professional boxing career was cut short (and he nearly lost his legs) due to an infection. He was told by a local doctor that his legs would have to be amputated. He prayed that if he were to be healed he would give his time and energy to helping others. After visiting a local healer, his legs did begin to get better and he fully healed after a year. He started the Grassroots as a means to give back to others and help reduce the violence that plagues his community. The boxing instruction and mentorship provided by Jongi, along with social support from peers at the gym, acted to keep kids focused and away from the violence in the streets. In 2013, in an effort to address additional challenges that children face, Grassroots Boxing Academy initiated both education and nutrition programs. To reflect this new broader mandate the organization was renamed Grassroots Youth Development. On February 22, 2014 Grassroots officially launched its education and nutrition programs by offering reading classes, homework help, and a health snack for kids in Makhaza, Khayelitsha.

The Grassroots Youth Academy Trust was registered in 2016. Its trustees are Jongi, Luzuko Dyantyi and Grant Quixley. The Trust was registered as a Non-Profit Organisation with the Department of Social Development in 2017.

Grassroots initiated a cycling program in 2017, with the assistance of Pedal Power Association, who donated 20 single-speed commuter bikes. Jongi and 8 students participated in (and completed) the Cape Town Cycle Tour in March 2018, with the generous assistance of RBPS Vuleka Trust, who sponsored cycling shirts, organised Oakley sunglasses and arranged suitable bikes for the event. Grassroots integrates three programs (Athletics, Education, and Nutrition) to offer holistic support of youth development.