Skateboarding Entices Enthusiastic Eswatini Youth
Skateboarding is steadily gaining popularity among the youth of Eswatini, a Southern African kingdom. The country has followed in the footsteps of other African nations, such as Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda, by promoting the sport and nurturing talent to compete on the international stage.
In the absence of dedicated skate parks, skateboarders in Eswatini have resorted to using concrete pavements and roadsides in the capital city of Mbabane. However, this often comes with its challenges, with skateboarders risking encounters with the police.
Lusito Mabuza, the head coach of Emaswati Skate, a group working towards professionalizing skateboarding in the kingdom, shared his experiences, saying, I used to skate in the street or on paved sidewalks. I would look over my shoulder for possible police arrest. At times, police would chase me away or take the board. Mabuza added that he understood the reasons behind the police’s actions, as skating in the streets can be dangerous.
To address this issue, Emaswati Skate, in collaboration with organizations like the European Union (EU) and Czech NGO Skate World Better, embarked on the construction of the country’s first skate park. Completed in June at Coronation Park in Mbabane, the skate park has been a dream come true for skateboarders and has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the young people frequenting the park.
One of the main advantages of the park is that it provides a safe and dedicated space for children to develop their skills without the fear of police intervention. Jason Martin, a consultant for Emaswati Skate, expressed his joy at witnessing the progress made: Now we have our first skate park, it’s nice progress for the skaters. We can see developments every day as we have more and more kids in the park and more people are using it. They learn more about safety, how to use the skateboard and where to use it, which is all very important.
Emaswati Skate aims to ensure that skateboarding is accessible to people of all demographics in the country, including those from rural areas. With support from the EU and COSPE, an international non-profit organization focused on social justice and peace, the group plans to construct four mini-skate parks across the four regions of Eswatini. This initiative will not only expand opportunities for communities but also provide a platform for coaching and learning the sport.
The response from traditional leaders and parents in rural communities has been exceptionally positive. Despite initial concerns about the safety of the sport, these leaders have recognized the potential benefits of skateboarding in youth development. Dumsani Ntiwane, the media officer of the Eswatini National Sports and Recreational Council, acknowledged the growing interest in skateboarding but noted that the government does not yet officially recognize the sport. However, Ntiwane encouraged Emaswati Skate to engage with the council to explore opportunities for recognition and potential government support.
As skateboarding continues to capture the enthusiasm of Eswatini’s youth, the journey to establish it as an officially recognized sport within the country unfolds. Emaswati Skate’s efforts to make the sport accessible to all demographics and their commitment to building skate parks in rural areas are vital steps towards achieving their vision. With the support of various organizations and the avid local skateboarders, Eswatini’s skateboarding community is carving a path towards a brighter future.
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