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African development action with informed and engaged societies
Soul Beat Africa
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Rapid Assessment of Clubs for Children In South Africa: Research for Soul Buddyz

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Molo Songololo

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Summary

Soul Buddyz is an edutainment vehicle and co-production between South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Education and Soul City. Soul Buddyz was initiated almost three years ago and was first broadcast in August 2000 on SABC 1. The project targets children aged 8 to 12 and deals with issues such as children's rights, HIV/AIDS, youth sexuality, accidents, disability and road safety. Results from a recent evaluation on the Soul Buddyz projects suggests that:

  • The vehicle has reached 67% of the intended audience
  • Messages were relevant with a high level of message retention
  • The impact on life skills development has been positive


Furthermore, there has been an overwhelming need, voiced by children, for information on how to start their own Soul Buddyz club or on how to receive membership to Soul Buddyz clubs. What this means is that while the project raises pertinent questions related to children's issues, for example their well-being and health, children do not have the space and infrastructure to actively engage with their peers or organise themselves to take action to improve their lives and that of the community.

The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the scope, nature and functioning of existing clubs within South Africa in order to provide valuable information on starting and sustaining clubs for children aged 8 to 12 years old based on the Soul City programme. In addition, this information will ensure that Soul Buddyz clubs can become a vehicle through which children can meet, engage and actively participate in the sharing and development of skills necessary for healthy living and action.

The study covers the scope, nature and functioning of existing clubs in South Africa. In order to develop a global understanding of clubs in South Africa, the following areas have been the foci of this study:

  • Objectives and principles of some of the clubs
  • The history and lifespan of clubs
  • Processes involved in starting clubs
  • How clubs are funded and financially sustained
  • How and by whom clubs are run - how are clubs organised
  • The size of clubs and age group of members
  • Frequency of club meetings
  • Parental /adult involvement in clubs
  • National or provincial constituencies
  • Criteria for membership
  • How club members are recruited
  • Incentives for members or group leaders
  • Kinds of activities that clubs are involved in
  • Support material for clubs
  • Lessons learnt from clubs which have folded in the past
  • Best practices for clubs in South Africa
  • International Best Practices for clubs
  • Clubs already functioning within schools

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