Ralph Bouwers, founder of the Guardians of the National Treasure (GNT), believes in using sport to transform the lives of the youth.
The NPO partnered with Rygersdal FC, Ajax CT, Lavender Hill FC and the Cape Flats Development Association (CAFDA) for a game of soccer over the weekend.
Mr Bouwers said: “We often hear people ask when will this killings and shootings stop? The simple question is: What are we doing for our youth right now to ensure we have healthy positive youth?
“The GNT are in year two of our five-year plan to bring about change to communities like Lavender Hill and its surrounds.”
Mr Bouwers said the GNT identified a group of troubled teenagers and adults who were involved in substance abuse and who were living “without getting love from anyone”.
He believes this is one of the reasons why some of them have turned into “cold-blooded-killers”.
He said he grew up in Lavender Hill and witnessed a trend. “When you live among them you get to understand why they are like that. It gives you the understanding of how to heal them. And we are in year two and we now need your help for us to heal the Cape Flats for you. All we need is the financial support to do this easy job. And as time goes on less money will need to be spent on policing and more on wellbeing and quality of life.”
Mr Bouwers said the five-year plan also involved supporting the youngsters in their education; instilling the value of respect in them; and teaching them to live productively and to value life.
Mr Bouwers encouraged others to get involved in the quest for change on the Cape Flats. For more information contact GNT on 078 629 3258 or visit www.guardiansofthenationaltreasure.org/ or email
ralphbouwers@gmail.com