Empowering the next generation through rugby

Growing up in Nyanga, Sakumzi Vapi's life was transformed by the sport of rugby.

Given the opportunity to play rugby at a young age, he experienced the profound impact that sport can have, opening doors he never imagined.

These opportunities took him as far as Italy as a member of False Bay RFC, allowing him to see beyond the confines of his neighbourhood.

Now, Vapi feels a deep sense of duty to provide the same opportunities to children from his community, those who might not otherwise have anyone guiding them towards sports and the life-changing experiences that come with it.

Vapi’s rugby journey began at Nomlinganiselo Primary School then to Lagunya before joining a much more fancied amateur side, False Bay RFC, which is where he honed his skills.

His time with the team was the highlight of his life, filled with memorable moments, including trips all over the country and the Italian tour.

Although False Bay RFC isn't a professional team, the set-up is professional in every other sense, offering a structured and supportive environment that helped Vapi develop both as a player and as a person.

The exposure to different cultures and high-level competition was invaluable, shaping his perspective on life and sport.

Now that his playing days are over, Vapi's focus has shifted to giving back.

Inspired by the opportunities rugby provided him, he established the Sakumzi Rugby Organisation (SRO), a non-profit dedicated to nurturing young talent from Nyanga.

His goal is to create a supportive environment for children, much like the one he benefited from. He believes in the adage that “charity begins at home” and has made it his mission to build a “home” for future rugby stars, which is what his first name loosely means, building a home.

The response from parents and the community has been overwhelmingly positive, he said.

Vapi is particularly proud of his partnership with his alma mater, Nomlinganiselo Primary School.

“I started from this school, so it’s only fair that I come back and start here when I want to do something that gives back to my community,” he said.

The school seemed to be waiting for such an initiative, embracing the opportunity to partner with SRO.

SRO offers a comprehensive junior set-up for both boys and girls, from under-7 until they are old enough to join senior rugby sides.

The programme includes different types of rugby — tag rugby, touch rugby, and contact rugby — catering to various interests and skill levels.

Vapi's vision is not only to develop rugby players but also to instil life skills and a sense of community.

He emphasises the importance of discipline and prayer, believing that these values helped him achieve his dreams. “Prayer is one of the key ingredients,” he says.

“It was through faith and discipline that I got to live my rugby dream.”

One of the more notable figures in Vapi's rugby journey is Louis Mzomba, the first black referee from South Africa to officiate an international match, doing so in 2001 in a World Cup pre-qualifier between Swaziland and Madagascar.

He coached Vapi in his school boy days.

Mzomba's mentorship left a lasting impact on Vapi, reinforcing the idea that rugby can be a powerful tool for personal growth and development.

“When I started (the SRO), it was an after-school programme, but it was easy to notice that rugby is almost non-existent in Nyanga. That gave me the idea to make this a home for rugby for the young ones,” Sakumzi said.

The benefits of SRO extend beyond individual development. The programme also acts as a feeder system for Lagunya, the only rugby side in Nyanga, which competes in the Southern League of the Western Province Rugby Football Union.

Lagunya doesn't have a junior division, so SRO provides a steady stream of young talent, ensuring the club's future success.

His ambitions don't stop at Nyanga. He dreams of partnering with some of the best rugby schools in Cape Town, believing that education and sport go hand in hand. His ultimate goal is for SRO to become a well-known programme throughout the Cape Metropole, consistently invited to participate in various rugby activities.

Running a non-profit, especially one focused on sports, comes with its challenges. Funding is a significant hurdle, but he remains undeterred.

He believes that the struggles and hardships faced by the community build character and resilience, qualities that will serve the young players well both on and off the field.

He sees his SRO as a platform for teaching leadership and fostering unity among the surrounding schools. Even those who have outgrown the programme are encouraged to stay involved, taking up volunteer roles and leadership positions to give back to the community that supported them.

“What encourages me more is how the parents and the community have responded to what we are building,” he said.

The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable programme that continues to offer opportunities for years to come.

He wants SRO to be a beacon of hope and a model for other communities to follow.

Vapi welcomes anyone interested in supporting SRO, whether through financial contributions or volunteer work. He can be contacted on 068 261 4189.