For nine years, children from the metro’s disadvantaged communities have found adventure, fun and purpose on the sand and in the surf at Orient Beach.
The Waves for Change Surf Therapy project is observed with amazement by open water swimmers who watch children of all ages learning on the shore before dashing into the surf.
On some days, former World Surf League competitor Greg Emslie takes a team out to the surf on soft-top boards for coaching sessions.
The Dispatch spotted their national managers and asked them to tell us about their work.
Spokesperson Liaan Papier said the project was actively helping KuGompo City youths build resilience in a tough setting.
“With youth mental health challenges rising globally, organisations are increasingly looking beyond treatment to find ways of helping children build resilience before problems take hold.
“In many low- and middle-income countries, children face daily stresses such as poverty, violence, family instability and social exclusion.
“Yet access to mental health services remains limited, leaving many young people without the support they need.
“We are a South African nonprofit founded in 2011 who believe sport and play can be part of the solution.
“We work with children facing adversity to help them develop the relationships, confidence and emotional skills needed to cope with life’s challenges.
“Our surf therapy programme, which operates at five sites across SA, reaches about 2,500 vulnerable children each year.”
Established in 2017, the KuGompo City site has so far supported more than 3,400 children and young people.
They were referred through schools, social services, healthcare providers and community organisations.
The children take part in a structured programme that combines surfing, play and mentoring.
“This is a safe space where children can connect with caring adults and peers while learning practical skills to manage stress, regulate emotions and build resilience,” Papier said.
At the heart of the programme are more than 30 youth coaches, many of whom come from the same communities as the participants they support.
“Their lived experience helps build trust and creates meaningful connections with young people facing similar challenges.”
In a country facing a youth unemployment crisis, Waves for Change also provided meaningful job opportunities for young adults.
“Through a structured two-year internship, coaches gain accredited coaching experience, practical employability skills and ongoing mentorship.”
Luvian May first joined Waves for Change in 2019 as a participant.
He later became part of the Saturday Surf Club programme, where he spent five years building his confidence, leadership skills and connection to the ocean.
“Today, Luvian has come full circle, serving as a senior coach and supporting the next generation of participants.”
Philasande Ngece joined Waves for Change as a coach in 2022.
“Through dedication, professional development and leadership training, he progressed through the organisation and was appointed site manager of the East London programme in 2025.
“His journey demonstrates how investing in young leaders can strengthen communities while creating sustainable career opportunities.
“The impact is reflected in the everyday experiences of participants.
“One young person who struggled with anger and behavioural challenges at school learnt to regulate his emotions using a simple breathing exercise known as Take 5,” Papier said.
Over time, this resulted in improved school attendance and fewer disciplinary incidents.
“Another participant arrived withdrawn and lacking confidence after experiencing significant challenges at home.
“Through regular sessions and supportive relationships with coaches, she became more confident, more connected to others and better able to seek help when needed.”
Waves for Change has consistently found through its work that when children have access to supportive relationships, safe environments and opportunities to build confidence, they are better able to cope with adversity.
The project also trains sports coaches and peer educators through its Take 5 programme, helping them integrate simple mental wellbeing practices into everyday sport and play activities.
“By building resilience before children reach crisis point, we aim to reduce the need for more intensive interventions later.”
Papier said sport was a good place for coaches to work.
“By equipping our coaches with simple tools to support mental wellbeing, we can reach far more children with the skills, relationships and confidence they need to manage stress, overcome adversity and build healthy futures.”
