What happens when a child never gets the chance to simply be a child? For many people, childhood was not filled with games, laughter, scraped knees, and carefree afternoons. Instead, it was shaped by hardship, responsibility, poverty, loss, and the pressure to grow up far too soon. As adults, many carry those silent wounds with them, often without realising just how much they missed out on the simple joy of play. But what if there was a space where grown-ups could finally laugh freely, run without shame, reconnect with their inner child, and heal parts of themselves they thought they had buried long ago? Nomveliso Mthini, founder of IzikoLam Projects and Production and Radio For a Purpose and a passionate community builder, is doing exactly that through her inspiring initiative, I Never Played As A Child. The event, taking place on Saturday, 18 April 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in Alexandra Township, is designed to give adults an opportunity to experience the joy, freedom, healing, and togetherness they may have missed during their childhood years. The event will include activities such as: Indigenous games, netball, street soccer, yoga, aerobics, creative games, self-defence, free HIV testing, high blood and sugar diabetes testing, and health products. In this exclusive interview with Africa Jamz FM News, Nomveliso opens up about the deeply personal inspiration behind the initiative, why healing through playing matters, and what she hopes people will take away from this powerful community experience. Nomveliso Mthini, founder of IzikoLam Projects and Production and Radio For a Purpose. Picture: Supplied The Story Behind I Never Played As A Child As the discussion got underway, Nomveliso shared the personal experience that first inspired her to launch the I Never Played As A Child initiative, opening up about the defining moment that set her vision in motion and the deep emotional connection that keeps this cause so close to her heart. “I’m telling a personal story of mine, ‘I Never Played As A Child,’ because I was always indoors doing house chores, busy at the shop. When you were out, it meant you were working—doing laundry at the river, gathering wood in the forest. It wasn’t an outing, but work all the time. The only time I played was when I was at school. The initial idea was for 35-year-olds and above to come play without having to babysit, but to go out, have fun, offload, and beat stress,” said Nomveliso. Adult women having fun as they play a lively game of netball at one of the “I Never Played As A Child” events. Picture: Supplied Healing through playing and shared stories Many adults were deprived of the simple joys of childhood due to challenging circumstances. As the conversation continued, Nomveliso shared the emotional experience she hopes participants will carry with them as they engage in the games and activities planned for the day. “I’m telling my story and other people’s stories. I’m solving social issues, forgotten, buried dreams, and lack of skills because you had to be a child-headed family and leave school to take care of siblings when parents passed away or got married at a young age. Surely there are stages you missed that are crucial for your upbringing,” said Nomveliso. Young men locked in an exciting street soccer match at one of the “I Never Played As A Child” initiatives. Picture: Supplied Why playing matters in adult healing and growth Nomveliso went on to explain why she believes healing through playing is so important for adults, particularly in communities where many were forced to grow up far too quickly. “I was introduced to the business world, which was the best thing ever. But as a child, I needed to play with my peers to learn from them so I may learn critical thinking, soft and hard skills, communicate, Maths skills, etc,” said Nomveliso. Nomveliso looking radiant as she is posing in front of the “I Never Played As A Child” banner. Picture: Supplied Blending playing, health, and wellness The event goes beyond entertainment, bringing together activities such as sports, yoga, and health testing. Nomveliso explained why it was important for her to blend playing and wellness into a single, holistic experience. “Health and sports go hand in hand. As we play, we are playing being aware that there is someone who is struggling with health issues, depression, and all. Through playing, some of the issues are solved as one needs to exercise and live healthy in order to beat the illness,” said Nomveliso. A mix of younger and older women enjoying a group exercise session at one of the “I Never Played As A Child” events. Picture: Supplied Leaving with care, healing, and childhood memories As the conversation drew to a close, Nomveliso spoke about the lasting impression she hopes will remain with participants after the event—be it a cherished memory, a valuable lesson, or an emotion that lingers well beyond the journey home. “Childhood memory. They must leave knowing someone or people care about their well-being. Someone listened and acted upon. All in all, this has come as a childhood trauma and I was doing the same to kids by not allowing them to play. Through this programme, I’m healed,” said Nomveliso. 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