About Surfpop Foundation | Youth Development NGO Cape Town

Surfpop Foundation is a youth development NGO in Cape Town providing long-term support to children and young people from township communities.

Why we started Surfpop

Surfpop was founded by Daniel Botha in 2015. Daniel discovered surfing, fell in love with the ocean, and the rest is history. Having spent much of his free time on his surfboard, he experienced first-hand how surfing can build confidence, create connection and bring people closer to nature. He wanted children and young people from Cape Town’s township communities to have access to those same opportunities.

The challenge facing young people in South Africa

South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries in the world, with young people in township communities facing significant barriers to opportunity. Poverty, violence and unstable home environments can affect children’s wellbeing and development, while unequal access to quality education, professional networks and opportunities after school can make the transition into adulthood particularly challenging. With youth unemployment remaining extremely high, long-term support is essential to help young people build the skills, confidence and connections they need to shape their own futures.

Our long-term approach to youth development

Surfpop provides children and young people with a safe, supportive environment after school, combining surfing, education, life coaching and nutrition. Rather than providing short-term interventions, we support young people over many years — helping them strengthen their wellbeing, education, resilience and life skills as they move through school and towards further education, training and employment. Starting with just 11 children in 2015, Surfpop now supports young people from township communities across Cape Town and is proud to see its first graduates progressing into college, university and employment.

Registered South African non-profit organisation

Surfpop Foundation is a registered South African Non-Profit Organisation (NPO 222-386) and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO 930066311), allowing tax-deductible donations in South Africa. Surfpop Foundation is also registered as an ANBI organisation in the Netherlands (RSIN 8272 18 886), allowing tax-deductible donations in the Netherlands.

Our mission

Our mission is to empower children and youth from Cape Town's township communities to build better futures through long-term support combining surfing, education, life coaching and nutrition. We strengthen mental wellbeing, resilience, education and life skills, while supporting young people from childhood towards further education, training and employment.

Our vision

Our vision is a future where every young person, regardless of where they grow up, has the wellbeing, confidence, skills and opportunities to shape their own future and thrive. We envision young people who are healthy, resilient and connected to nature, with the opportunities and support to continue their education, build meaningful livelihoods and contribute positively to their communities.