Western Cape teams to compete at national YCAP championships

Western Cape teams to compete at national YCAP championships

7 September 2026

Two Western Cape schools will represent the province at the National Youth Citizens Action Programme (YCAP) Championships next month after impressing judges with projects that are making a difference in their communities.

Dalubuhle Primary School in Franschhoek will compete in the junior category, while Soneike High School in Kuils River will represent the province in the senior category.

YCAP is a youth development initiative that encourages learners to identify challenges and take action to solve or lessen problems in their schools and communities. The programme forms part of the Department of Basic Education's Social Cohesion and Equity in Education programmes in partnership with the Empowervate Trust.

At Dalubuhle Primary, learners chose to address poverty in their community. Guided by teacher Athandile Mangolothi, they organised a school fundraising project and used the proceeds to support two vulnerable households. One beneficiary was a single mother who had recently given birth to triplets, while the other was an elderly family.

In the senior category, Soneike High School was crowned provincial YCAP champion for its project which focused on health management and hygiene.

The team tackled concerns around the condition of school toilets, aiming not only to improve facilities but also to change attitudes and encourage long-term responsibility among learners. Through research, action and awareness campaigns, the learners promoted what they called “toilet pride” throughout the school.

To ensure the project's sustainability, the team launched the OWN IT! movement, which encourages learners to recognise problems, care for shared spaces, take action and protect positive change. The initiative has already expanded to feeder primary schools, helping to instil a sense of responsibility before learners reach high school.

The achievements of both schools highlight the power of youth-led action and demonstrate how learners are developing leadership skills while creating lasting change in their communities. As they prepare for the national championships, they will proudly represent the Western Cape on the national stage.