The City of Johannesburg's Community Devel​opment Department, through the Sport and Recreation Directorate, hosted a boxing tournament at Don Mateman Hall in Eldorado Park Ext  5 on 24 September 2026. The tournament formed part of the City's efforts to revive the culture of youth participation in sport and create safe and constructive spaces for young people, particularly in communities facing challenges such as substance abuse, gangsterism and crime.

Don Mateman Hall has historically served as a hub for boxing development in Eldorado Park, and the tournament sought to strengthen that legacy by encouraging young people to participate in sport and develop their potential.

The boxing programme is not centred on individual winners, but on using sport as a tool for community development. It provides young people with an opportunity to stay away from the streets, gangs and crime while building a shared sense of belonging through participation.

Through boxing, participants are encouraged to develop discipline, respect and emotional control. The presence of coaches and mentors also provides young people with positive role models who can guide them both inside and outside the ring.

This initiative further provides a platform to raise awareness around critical social issues affecting communities, including campaigns against gender-based violence and matters relating to community health.

The participation of local fighters also contributes to community pride and morale, with sporting role models serving as symbols of hope for young people living in areas affected by social challenges. Speaking in support of the initiative, the MMC for Community Development, Cllr Thapelo Amad, highlighted the importance of youth development and community building using sport.

“Initiatives such as this boxing tournament give our young people an opportunity to discover their talents, develop discipline and make positive choices. We are committed to supporting programmes that use sport to build safer, stronger and more resilient communities."

By including the aerobics, the tournament reaffirmed the City's commitment to using sport not only for recreation, but also as a platform to empower young people, strengthen communities and address social ills.

Written by Mpho Lebese
25/09/2026
 
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