“We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with Investec. There is substantial alignment across our two organisations and with Investec’s invaluable support, we are poised to expand our reach and deepen our impact, enriching the lives of many young people in our communities.” - Lana Rolfe, Chief Operating Officer at SoHK.

At the School of Hard Knocks (SoHK) we use sports and mental health interventions to help South African youth overcome trauma and develop coping skills, enabling them to reach their potential. By building trust and strong relationships, SoHK coaches teach life skills, offer support, and, when needed, connect participants with professional mental health services. The program addresses the high rates of trauma among South Africa’s youth, who face an average of five to eight adverse events annually.

Investec’s involvement continues its long-standing support of rugby, which is now aimed at creating transformational change at the school level by supporting the mental and emotional development of young people.

Coach Anthony

Pronouns: He/Him

Hometown: Guguletu, Section 2

Favorite Sport: Football and MMA

Coach Anthony understands and has personally faced the harsh realities of growing up in an area deeply impacted by gang violence. Yet, with the support of strong role models like his mother and community leaders, he found his calling as a coach at the School of Hard Knocks. Today, he combines his passion for sports with a mission to inspire our students and community, encouraging them to rise above their circumstances and shape their own futures.

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?

Well I grew up in a area where gang violence was an pandemic and I was fortunate enough that I was raised in a Christian Household and I had strict parents but I always looked up to my mother. She was a single parent who owned a mini spaza shop and netball team, and I think that was from her. My football coach (Bra Sticks) was the biggest role model in my life. He did numerous community work, and you could see changes in people's lives; he found safe homes for neglected children, which led me to this path of supporting my community.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

By being open minded coming in to the sessions with a fixed way of doing things is good but leaving room for unexpected questions or answers is a bonus. And continuesly asking are we in the same page or do you helps alot in sessions to see if no one is left behind and the last one is to be flexible.

What advice would you give to students who come from a similar background as the students who attend SOHK programs?

Don't let the environment you were growing up in determine your future.

How do you prioritize and maintain your own mental health while managing the demands of coaching?

I always give myself time to do what I love and be around people I love. Don't dwell on things that are out of your control.

Coaches like Anthony play a transformative role in the lives of students at the School of Hard Knocks, offering both guidance and hope in challenging environments. By leading with empathy and dedication, they help young people discover their potential and break the cycle of adversity in their communities.

We are incredibly honoured to be named as a new Investec partner.

Over the last 25 years, Investec has supported many rugby properties, with the most recent being the title sponsor of the Investec Champions Cup. This partnership expands on the focus of creating transformational value but at school-level, with a strong focus on supporting young impressionable minds. The partnership will provide the necessary funding to allow SoHK to not only deliver on this year’s curriculum and retain the current coaches, but also the capacity to scale and upskill new coaches to reach more learners.

Coach Yongi

Pronoun: she/they

Home: Khayelitsha Makhaza**

Favorite Sport: Soccer and touch rugby

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

I would say that my coaching style is ensure that am open book that like to learn new skills and improve being a coach overall.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?

Being misunderstood. I’ve learned to create boundaries and focus on self-respect. You can't change how people see you, so it's important to accept that and stay true to yourself.

What advice do you give to your students about maintaining their mental health and well-being?

I'd tell them to talk things out with someone they trust because keeping stuff bottled up only makes it worse. And it's okay to feel whatever you're feeling—just let yourself go through it. You gotta feel it to heal it, so don't push your emotions away.

**Khayelitsha is a small and impoverished township in the southern border of Cape Town, South Africa. Many students from these regions lack access to essential mental health support and a positive community that fosters personal development. Like Yongi, our students face similar disadvantages, but Yongi's journey is a testament to the power of resilience. Together, we can thrive as a community and build a brighter future for our students as we Tackle Trauma Together!

We are very excited to announce a new partnership with @exl_service Service South Africa!
60 of their employees will be trained to co-facilitate on three of our NxtGenMen and NxtGenWomxn events in the coming months.

Together, we'll provide over 1000 beneficiaries with mental health and wellbeing support, tools and resources!

#tacklingtraumatogether
#nxtgenmen
#nxtgenwomxn
#mentalhealthawareness
#sohksa

Coach Elvis

Pronouns: He/His

Hometown: Townships of Gugulethu

Favorite Sport: Soccer

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?

During and After COVID, I was unemployed. I was always composing music at home, and I would make tiny bits of money from selling beats and recording people’s songs, and that was it. Most of the time, I would produce for younger people for free because they never had any means to pay for studio time but had the talent, so I just thought I should be the helping hand on the production side. I started seeking and applying to call centers in 2021. I secured job interviews but couldn’t get past the interview process. Later that year, my uncle returned with a vacancy poster from Safe-Hub, and I applied. I got the job, and then a SoHK vacancy came later that year, along with two other opportunities. SoHK was about helping people, which I always did, but focusing on mental health instead only of skills development.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?

Balancing the tone of the room when delivering or presenting a session is challenging. Being energetic and funny while trying to deliver a serious message is challenging. Now I am aware of it, and it’s still in progress.

How do you prioritize and maintain your mental health while managing the demands of coaching?

“You can’t pour from an empty cup,” so I also fill up my cup by talking to my therapist and figuring things out with her.

Can you share a success story or a memorable moment from your time coaching at the School of Hard Knocks?

Delivering Next Gen Men Program in Gauteng was the best experience yet. This journey challenged me to step up as a leader, and I am proud of everything our team accomplished together!