Mecayla Kock is a dedicated young volunteer who has been transforming lives at Alpha Primary School through athletics since January 2025. Despite having no income and living with her aunt in Arcadia, she has made it her mission to uplift the standard of athletics at the school while instilling discipline, focus, and dedication in the next generation.
Twice weekly, Mecayla travels by taxi at her own expense to conduct training sessions at Alpha Primary, where she imparts her leadership and athletic skills to young students. Her commitment stems from a personal journey—having consciously decided to change her own life through sport, she now channels that same transformative energy into developing young lives.
Beyond her volunteer work at the school, Mecayla serves as the Captain of Atlantic Aces Athletics Club and holds a position on the Executive. Her leadership extends to mentoring 10 other young athletes in the Club, multiplying her positive influence throughout the community.
As a Certified Junior Coach, she has also been instrumental in launching the Primary Schools Cross Country hosted at Groot Kloof Hillside. Those who know her describe Mecayla as a game changer and role model who demonstrates how sports can be a powerful vehicle for positive life change.
In a letter sent by Derrick Hoshe, Athletics Coach and Sports Activist in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, who nominated her on behalf of Atlantic Aces Athletics Club (AAAC), Mecayla’s dedication and impact were highlighted as exemplary qualities deemed worthy of nominating her as a potential Young Hero winner.
Nathan Lottering’s letter
Nathan Lottering is a dedicated volunteer who, while pursuing his first year at Nelson Mandela University, has been making a significant impact at Alpha Primary School through athletics since January 2025. His commitment to uplifting the standard of athletics at the school serves a greater purpose—helping the new generation develop discipline, focus, and dedication in both sports and academic excellence.
Twice weekly, Nathan travels by taxi at his own expense to conduct training sessions at Alpha Primary, where he shares his leadership and athletic expertise with young students. Despite his university commitments, he prioritises time to help shape young lives through the athletics coaching program initiated by Atlantic Aces Athletics Club. His personal achievements include being ranked 5th amongst Junior Race Walkers.
As a Certified Junior Coach, Nathan has been instrumental in supporting the recent launch of the Primary Schools Cross Country hosted at Groot Kloof Hillside. Those familiar with his work recognise him as a game changer and role model who uses the tools he has been given to shape the younger generation, showing them firsthand how sports can transform lives.
In a letter sent by Derrick Hoshe, Athletics Coach and Sports Activist in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, who nominated him on behalf of Atlantic Aces Athletics Club (AAAC), Nathan’s dedication and impact were highlighted as exemplary qualities deemed worthy of nominating him as a potential Young Hero winner.
