The Humansdorp-based non-profit organisation, Douglas Matsha People’s Association (Domapa), originally established to promote education, sport, cultural activities, and social welfare, has made significant progress in leaps and bounds, staying true to its mission of uplifting the community.
Loyiso Matsha, the president and a retired school teacher, stated that KwaNomzamo in Humansdorp is grappling with numerous challenges, including substance abuse, alcoholism, teenage pregnancy, and gangsterism.
He emphasised that the organisation’s primary goal is to keep children off the streets and encourage them to discover and develop their talents.
“The devil is swift to find unacceptable work for idle hands. Thus, we welcome all people interested in joining our organisation with open arms. We accept all ages, from five years old to pensioners,” said Matsha.
He further explained the organisation’s four core objectives: education, sport, cultural activities, and social welfare.
They offer holiday classes on Saturdays during the school holidays for learners in Grades 2 to 9, coupled with a diverse range of sports activities, including table tennis and chess.
The organisation will soon also offer training in drum majorettes and choral music.
As part of its social welfare obligations, it provides food donations to carefully chosen unemployed individuals, focusing particularly on elderly and sick individuals who require food before taking their prescribed medication.
Reflecting on some of the organisation’s achievements, Matsha said that between 2023 and 2024, they hosted three chess tournaments at the Humansdorp Library.
He noted that all junior chess players from his organisation began playing chess in March 2023, and by June 2024, at least three had received their provincial colours.
In 2024, Matsha mentioned that three chess players, Khazimla Mtyaleka, Yomelela Pongolo, and Enzokuhle Twazi, qualified for the Eastern Chess teams on merit.
In the same year, the trio was also selected on merit to visit Johannesburg in June 2025, where they will receive advanced chess coaching with some of South Africa’s best coaches.
“When these young chess players return from their coaching, they will be unstoppable,” said Matsha.
“I am impressed with all the children’s talent, and it would be great if more children from the entire Kouga region could join our organisation,” he expressed.
The organisation’s youngest player is Khanya Bheki, who, at just 10 years old, continues to work hard towards improving her skills.
Looking ahead to plans for this year, he indicated that they aim to enhance the organisation’s four focus areas: education, sport, cultural activities, and social welfare. To bolster the organisation’s success, Matsha mentioned that he has recruited two teachers from Gqeberha to assist him with their school holiday programme and choral music lessons in April.
For more information, contact Loyiso Matsha at 071 381 6226.
