Creating Safe Spaces: Q&A with Sharne Jacobs – Founder of Girls Skate South Africa

Photos Tim Moolman and courtesy Nike SHAPA Soweto / Girls Skate South Africa.

Since then, Sharne, who is based in Gauteng and is GSSA’s executive director, has dedicated her life to GSSA and has actively encouraged countless girls to take up skateboarding through various events and clinics. 

“I wanted to see more girls at skateparks and get girls comfortable enough to skate in front of the guys,” says Sharne. “SHAPA Soweto is exciting. I hope that this space brings out the next Olympic skater, but if it doesn’t, I hope that it helps many kids find direction.” 

Through her main sponsor, Nike, Sharne has been involved in the skateboarding programmes at the skatepark at SHAPA Soweto at the Nike Football Stadium in Klipspruit, Soweto in Johannesburg.

Sharne is one of the few accomplished female skateboarders in South Africa. Steezy kickflip, Jozi. Photo by Tim Moolman.

Formerly a football-only facility, SHAPA is now a multi-disciplinary facility that offers basketball, running, training, dance, yoga and, of course, skateboarding at its new state-of-the-art skatepark.

Shapa Soweto has set out to be an incubator for the next generation of athletes from a variety of disciplines. It aims to be a safe and inclusive space in the community and to remove barriers to sport in SA and use sport as a tool for education. 

Formerly a football-only facility, SHAPA is now a multi-disciplinary facility that offers basketball, running, training, dance, yoga and, of course, skateboarding at its new state-of-the-art skatepark.

SHAPA Soweto is creating a place where young people can find sports that match their interests, including workshop rooms for the Soweto creative community and an active after school programme.

Girls Skate South Africa skate clinic at SHAPA Soweto. Photo courtesy Sharne Jacobs/Girls Skate South Africa.

It includes a community garden, local kiosks and Caster Semenya’s Masai AC (Athletics Club) has a dedicated training space at SHAPA Soweto, building on Semenya’s vision to make running and education more accessible to disenfranchised youth. 

“I would tell people that still believe that skating is solely for guys that it is not 1958, the world has evolved and so should they. Skateboarding is for everyone. I would show them all the amazing female skaters from all over the world and educate them.” – Sharne Jacobs.

The objectives of Girls Skate South African and SHAPA Soweto align on many levels, but primarily to get young township girls to try out new sports and, if they choose to do so, to pursue skateboarding without fear or intimidation.

“I wanted to see more girls at skateparks and get girls comfortable enough to skate in front of the guys,” says Sharne. “SHAPA Soweto is exciting. I hope that this space brings out the next Olympic skater, but if it doesn’t, I hope that it helps many kids find direction.” 

Sharne setting up a board for young skateboarder at SHAPA Soweto. Photo courtesy Sharne Jacobs/Girls Skate South Africa.

Q&A with Sharne Jacobs, Founder of Girls Skate South Africa

blunt mag caught up with Sharne recently for a quick fire conversation:

Do you remember your first skateboard or the first time you got onto a skateboard?

I remember getting my first skateboard; a Maui & Sons board. It wasn’t the best board but it got me started so I was excited about it. The first time I got on board was amongst my guy friends, I had seen them skating and asked if I could try it.

How was that feeling for you?

I was excited, it was a good escape for me to feel free. 

What would you say to the stereotypical people that still believe that skating is solely for guys in 2022? 

I would tell them that it is not 1958, the world has evolved and so should they. Skateboarding is for everyone. I would show them all the amazing female skaters from all over the world and educate them.

Sharne Jacobs, founder Girls Skate South Africa. Photo by Tim Moolman.

What are your thoughts on Nike SHAPA, which has evolved from being a football facility to becoming a multi-disciplinary facility that doubles as an incubator for the next generation of athletes, including girl skaters.

I think that these kinds of facilities help children get off the streets and into safe spaces. It’s amazing to have this space and many different sports you can do. I believe that everyone should get a chance to try any kind of sport, it’s good for the mind.

Also, how do you feel about Nike Shapa being your new home and home to young boys and girls that dream of becoming professional skateboarders one day?

It’s exciting, I love seeing kids skate and when it’s all they want to do it makes me happy to see it. I hope that this space brings out the next Olympic skater, but if it doesn’t, I hope that it helps many kids find direction. 

“Community upliftment has certainly seen a positive impact around Soweto. A new direction has been created for many that might otherwise be wandering the streets.” – Sharne Jacobs.

Would you say the skateboarding culture in South Africa has grown over the past five years? 

Yes, 100% from Covid it grew so much, as well as skateboarding being an Olympic sport, I think more people are taking it seriously. There certainly has been a direct growth due to the lockdown implementations. Many were unable to participate in team sports, therefore skateboarding was a great way for the individual to stay fit, with the added creative benefit.

Stoked kasi skate groms at one of Sharne’s skate clinics at SHAPA Soweto. Photo courtesy Sharne Jacobs/Girls Skate South Africa.

In which area have you seen the biggest growth in your sessions across the region?

Community upliftment has certainly seen a positive impact around Soweto. A new direction has been created for many that might otherwise be wandering the streets.

What would you say to a young girl that wants to come to Nike Shapa and learn how to skate but is too afraid?

I would encourage her to try it out and show her that she is not the only one trying for the first time. There are other girls that will be accommodating and make her feel included.

How can the skate society collectively make skating inclusive for everyone?

By being more aware of everyone and making every skater feel like going to a skatepark is an encouraging space.

Lastly, If someone wanted to join Girls Skate – South Africa, what would they need?

Just good vibes, we have skateboards and safety gear available, so just bring yourself with some friends if you want to! 

Check out Sharne Jacobs and Girls Skate South Africa or head over to www.girlsskatesouthafrica.org/

Register for Shapa Soweto at www.shapasoweto.co.za/

 Photo Gallery: