From Amateur To Expert

Siphesihle (SK), South Africa

Goal Click and UNICEF UK collaborated on a series that highlights the impact that Soccer Aid for UNICEF has on children around the world. In an effort to protect children from the impact of climate change and environmental degradation, UNICEF South Africa has partnered with Canoeing South Africa, with the Grootbos Foundation identified to implement the Sport for the Environment and Climate Change programme.

The Grootbos Foundation is a non-profit organisation, established in 2003 with the vision of conserving the unique Cape Floral Kingdom and a mission to develop sustainable livelihoods in the communities through ecotourism, enterprise development, sports development and education. The Development Canoeing Programme for 8-15 year olds is run on the Klein River in Stanford in partnership with the Stanford Canoe Club. It teaches basic water safety and water conservation, and gives opportunities to participate in local and national canoeing, marathon and sprint regattas throughout the year. Siphesihle (known as SK) started with the program in 2016 and is now competing at national level.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your sports journey?

My name is Siphesihle (but I am known as SK). I am 21 years old and am living in a small village in the Western Cape. I played soccer as a kid and I have been involved with Grootbos Foundation since I was in primary school. I go canoeing four times a week.

I started participating in sports in 2014 when I was in grade 5. Then in 2016 when I was in grade 7 Grootbos introduced canoeing to us. For starters my stepfather did not like water very much, which is why he made my canoeing life difficult. He kept on telling me to stop participating in water activities as they were inappropriate for black people and that I should focus on soccer.

I know how it feels when you are a young boy standing on the side of the river watching someone else on a boat, it looks easy and fun. But for the first time in a boat, I felt like I left all my worries behind. I was happy but scared at the same time.

I have attended three National Championships. I won a silver medal in the K2 with my paddling partner Siyamamkela in 2022. My ambition right now is to become a world champion. I just need to keep on practising and that will help elevate me from amateur to expert.

What did you try to capture with your photos? Was there a wider meaning with the photos? 

I took some photos at my home, on my way to canoeing, and on the water. One photo is of my half-brother holding a paddle and on his way to the water. He is coming out the gate with my half-sister holding the gate for him. It shows the support they give him - the kind of support I needed and never got.

I also took a photo of my sister again sitting on the ground and crying. I was trying to capture a moment's connection since she and I always shared a room when we were kids. She has been my counsellor and best friend. I feel empty whenever I leave for the South African Canoeing Championships and leave her.

Why is canoeing so important to you and your community? 

Canoeing is important to me because it is teaching me about the challenges that I will face in life. I remember when no one believed in me and canoeing. But now everytime I come home from a race with my fellow teammates wearing the t-shirts we got and with medals, people start getting interested. 

The number of kids who want to join is increasing, so I believe that I am not only doing this for myself but for my community. Now people will now know that we do have sportsmen even in little unknown places, so I feel like I am putting the name of my village out there.

What impact has UNICEF and the Grootbos Foundation program had on you and your community? What does the program mean to you?

Grootbos Foundation has played a huge role in my life, introducing canoeing to me, supporting and pushing me to do my best. I remember when I used to go swimming with my friend, we would scream and wave at the paddlers. After Grootbos Foundation got me involved I was so happy because I wanted to do the sport. UNICEF and Grootbos Foundation have helped me understand what sport is actually all about, so I am grateful that there are projects helping us.

How has canoeing helped you learn about climate change? What do you think needs to be done to help fight climate change?

I am worried about climate change as it is getting hotter every summer and colder every winter. I would advise people to buy fewer things, shop second-hand, repair what you can, recycle and make every drop of water count.

My canoeing coach Rodger taught me well about keeping our river clean. Now, even when he is not there, I cannot help but pick up plastic or a bottle left unattended in our river.

What do you think the future looks like for sport in your community and country? What do you want to change? 

I think the future for sport in my community is bright as I see many young kids who are so determined and want to make it in sport. I want to see more kids playing sports. With more of these programmes around a lot can be done and a lot can happen.