YMCA Soweto Community

Empowering Young People for Life, Leadership, and Service

The Soweto YMCA has been serving the Orlando and surrounding communities since 1963, contributing to South Africa's social, political, and economic development.

Explore Our Programs
YMCA Soweto Youth Activities

A Home Away From Home

Providing a safe, supportive environment for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

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YMCA Soweto Programs

Join Our Community

Discover our range of programs designed to nurture the potential of every child and adult.

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Overview of Soweto YMCA

The Donaldson Orlando Community Centre (DOCC) was established on December 17, 1932, and was officially opened by the Honorable Earl of Clarendon PC (Governor General of the Union of South Africa) as a gift to the Orlando East League of Black Boys and Girls.

Since 1963, the Soweto YMCA has been the custodian and manager of the center. This Non-Profit Organization has been serving the Orlando and surrounding communities for years.

The Soweto YMCA has served as a Home Away from Home for many people in South Africa. The Soweto YMCA has contributed to South Africa's development socially, politically, and economically.

Values

"UMUNTU NGUMUNTU NGABANTU...
WE ARE WHO WE ARE BECAUSE OF OTHERS"

We foster deep respect for each other and the people we work with (beneficiaries and partners).

Signature Programs

These programs are nationally designed and locally implemented to empower young people for life, leadership, and service.

Y-Zone Program

Y-Zone

The Y-Zone program provides after-school care for kids aged 6-18 in a safe space where they are afforded an opportunity to grow in all areas of life.

  • Homework supervision in a fun and supportive environment
  • Sports, Life Skills, Arts, Music, and Dance activities
  • All programs are facilitated by trained young people
Y-Arts Program

Y-Arts

By appealing to youth through creativity and fun, Y-Arts has cutting-edge leadership development and life skills at its core.

  • Contributes directly to moral regeneration
  • A vehicle for wide-scale involvement of youth in communities
  • Offers alternative leisure-time activities to youth
  • Enables skills transfer amongst youth through the peer model
  • Prepares youth for life, career, and responsible citizenship
  • Community service at its core
  • Clear focus on gender and advocacy
Y-Justice Program

Y-Justice

The Youth Justice Program reaches young people who are in conflict with the law, and young people whose social circumstances place them at a high risk of potential legal conflicts.

  • Transforming young people from subjects to citizens
  • Integrating youth justice issues into all signature programs
  • Advocating for and monitoring relevant legislation, policy, and human rights for young people
Y-Fit Program

Y-Fit

Y-Fit is a Health and Wellness income-generating program. Y-Fit is a gym, offering a quality, family-oriented, well-managed, well-equipped gym facility to the local community.

Our Facilities

We offer a range of facilities for community events, exercise, and programs. Our spaces are designed to support healthy living, learning, and community engagement.

YMCA Gym
YMCA Gym YMCA Gym Equipment YMCA Fitness Area

Gym

Our well-equipped gym facility offers quality equipment for all your fitness needs. The gym is managed by trained staff and is open to the community for a healthy and active lifestyle.

  • Modern cardio and weight equipment
  • Trained fitness instructors
  • Clean and spacious workout area
  • Operation Hours: Monday-Friday: 05:00-20:00, Saturday: 07:00-13:00
  • Family-friendly environment
YMCA Main Hall
YMCA Main Hall YMCA Main Hall Setup YMCA Main Hall Event

Main Hall

Capacity: 600-700 people

Our spacious Main Hall is perfect for community events, performances, and large gatherings. The hall is equipped with a stage, sound system, and comfortable seating, making it ideal for a variety of functions.

  • Stage area for performances
  • Sound system available
  • Chairs and tables included
  • Air-conditioned space
  • Available for booking 7 days a week
YMCA Domestic Room
YMCA Domestic Room YMCA Domestic Room Setup YMCA Domestic Room Meeting

Domestic Room

Capacity: 50-70 people

The Domestic Room is ideal for smaller meetings, workshops, and group activities. It offers a quiet, private space with all the amenities needed for productive sessions.

  • Comfortable seating arrangement
  • Projector and screen available
  • Whiteboard and stationery
  • Quiet, private space
  • Catering options available upon request

Community Voices

Hear from our members, partners, and youth about the impact of YMCA Soweto.

Happy Youth

"YMCA Soweto is my second home. I've learned so much and made lifelong friends."

- Lerato, Youth Member

Community Event

"The Main Hall is perfect for our community events. The staff are always helpful and welcoming."

- Mr. Dlamini, Community Leader

Family Fitness

"Y-Fit has helped my whole family stay healthy and active. We love the gym!"

- The Mokoena Family

Operating Hours

Gym Operation Hours

Monday - Friday
05:00 - 20:00
Saturday
07:00 - 13:00
Sunday
Closed

Contact Us

Location

Donaldson Orlando Community Centre (DOCC), Soweto, Johannesburg

Email

ymca.soweto@yahoo.com

Phone

060 788 4829

News & Events

Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings at YMCA Soweto.

Youth Day Celebration

Youth Day Celebration

June 16, 2025

Join us for a day of fun, learning, and performances as we celebrate the youth of Soweto. Open to all ages!

Community Health Fair

Community Health Fair

July 5, 2025

Free health screenings, fitness demos, and wellness workshops for the whole family. Hosted at the YMCA Gym.

Art and Culture Showcase

Art & Culture Showcase

August 20, 2025

Experience the creativity of our youth with music, dance, and art displays. All are welcome!

Get Involved with YMCA Soweto

Join us in empowering young people and building a stronger community. Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or participate in our programs, your support makes a difference!

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