If you’ve spent any time around The Message Trust’s Nyanga Community Hub, you’ve probably heard the name Sakhumzi Vapi — or simply Sakhi. He’s the kind of person young people gravitate toward: steady, caring, full of joy, and always ready with a rugby ball under his arm.
But behind his calm leadership and growing influence is a story shaped by struggle, second chances, and the power of purpose.
Meet Sakumzi Vapi
Hi, I’m Sakumzi Vapi, and I serve as the Nyanga Hub Coordinator here in Cape Town. I’m a massive rugby lover — whether I’m watching a match or coaching young players in my community, the sport always brings me joy.
Right now, my biggest passion is soul‑winning evangelism and seeing young people transformed holistically: through education, sport, and faith. Nothing excites me more than watching a young person discover who they are, unlock their potential, and choose a positive path for their future.
One value I hold very close is integrity. For me, being honest and consistent — both publicly and privately — is the foundation for leading others well.
Where It All Began
In the heart of Nyanga New Crossroads, a young boy named Sakhi started a journey no one could’ve predicted.
He began school at the age of seven and often jokes that he “wasn’t the brightest.” But while academics didn’t come easily, something else did — rugby. Even though he was small and sometimes mocked, his passion for the game never faded. It opened doors and led him to join Lugunya Rugby Juniors.
But life took a turn. A season of disappointment led Sakhi into gangsterism and alcohol abuse. It could have been the end of his story — but it wasn’t.
A Turning Point
A woman working as a char in Constantia shared his story with her employer, Mrs. Dallema, who was moved by the young man’s situation. She connected Sakhi with False Bay Academy, and everything began to change.
There, his talent flourished. He was named Promising Player of the Year and even travelled to Italy on a rugby tour — an unbelievable experience for a boy who once felt overlooked.
From Player to Coach
As time went on, Sakhi discovered a deeper calling: coaching. He served in the WP Rugby Hubs programme and later with Tag Rugby South Africa. In 2020, he took a bold step and founded his own rugby organisation in Nyanga to give children opportunities he never had.
In 2021, Sakhi joined The Message Trust as the Nyanga Community Hub Coordinator, bringing his rugby academy — now known as Sakhumzi Rugby Organisation (SRO) — under the Hub’s offerings. Today, SRO serves 170 young people, helping them grow not only in sport, but also in their schoolwork and faith.
A Growing Legacy
By 2024, Sakhi had joined the Western Province under‑12B coaching staff, marking another major milestone in his coaching journey.
At our five-year celebration last year, a mother shared a story that captured who Sakhi is. Though her family lives in Montana, her son insisted on playing only for SRO. She didn’t understand why — until she met Sakhi.
Her words summed it up perfectly:
“Meeting him, I knew why my son was adamant to play for SRO. It’s because Sakhi is more than just a coach. He is a light.”
More Than a Coach
From the streets of Nyanga to the fields of Italy, from a young boy searching for direction to a leader shaping futures — this is the story of Sakhumzi Vapi. A man committed to guiding young people toward hope and purpose — both on and off the field and this months Messenger of the Month!
Written by Sakumzi Vapi & Naomi Engelbrecht
