Sport once again provided a powerful platform for conservation engagement as more than 600 young people gathered at Skukuza Stadium on 27 June 2026 for the Sport Against Crime Tournament, held as part of the 2026 Youth Month Commemoration. The event formed part of a broader Youth Crime Prevention Programme, using football and netball to encourage positive choices, environmental awareness, and community responsibility.
The event brought together SANParks, SAPS, Old Mutual, Airlink, Kruger Gate Hotel, Mlungu Funeral Services, GKEPF, and other partners to promote crime prevention, youth empowerment, and environmental awareness through sport. Football teams representing Rolle Cosmos, Happy Boys, Ben Williams FC, and Skukuza took to the field, while the netball tournament featured Joint Forces, Mooki Stars, Crystal Lake, Cinningmore Ladies, Skukuza, and TDS Diamonds. Together, the matches created a positive environment where young people could engage with conservation, law enforcement, and community leaders while building teamwork, discipline, and mutual respect.
Using football and netball as the foundations for the day’s activities, the event created an engaging environment where participants could connect with conservation in a way that was accessible, enjoyable, and relevant. Alongside the matches, young people were encouraged to think about the importance of preventing crime, protecting the environment, and understanding the important role they can play in safeguarding the natural heritage of the Greater Kruger.
One of the highlights of the day was a motivational address by former Bafana Bafana footballer Lucas Thwala, who encouraged young people to take their education, sporting opportunities, and future careers seriously. Drawing on his own experiences, he reminded learners that talent alone is not enough, success also requires commitment, discipline, and making positive life choices.
The event also provided many participants with the opportunity to visit the Kruger National Park, helping strengthen the connection between neighbouring communities and one of Africa’s most iconic protected areas. Experiences such as these play an important role in building environmental awareness by allowing young people to experience the landscapes they are being encouraged to protect.
For GKEPF, initiatives such as this form part of a broader commitment to people-centred conservation. Long-term conservation depends not only on protecting wildlife and ecosystems but also on creating opportunities for communities to engage positively with conservation and feel connected to the landscape around them.
By bringing together young people, conservation organisations, law enforcement agencies, and community partners in a positive setting, initiatives such as these demonstrate how sport can strengthen relationships, encourage environmental stewardship, and contribute to safer, more resilient communities.
The Youth Day Sports Against Crime Tournament forms part of GKEPF’s Sports for Conservation initiative, which uses sport to strengthen relationships, inspire young people, and promote environmental awareness across the Greater Kruger landscape.
GKEPF extends its sincere thanks to SANParks, SAPS, Old Mutual, Airlink, Kruger Gate Hotel, Mlungu Funeral Services, Lucas Thwala, and everyone who contributed to making the day a success.
