Developing Vulnerable Kids Thru Sport South Africa

This year, United Through Sport was very fortunate to be a beneficiary of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber drive for Nelson Mandela Day. In the weeks leading up to July 18th, the Business Chamber called out to businesses in the Bay to donate used or new sports equipment which would be handed over to UTS on this special day. The sports equipment drive was a huge success with the Business Chamber receiving over R35000 worth of equipment through the initiative.  UTS will facilitate the distribution of the equipment and will utilize it in the Mass Participation Programme which is implemented in primary schools around the Bay. 

For United Through Sport, July 18^th was not only a celebration for Mandela Day and receiving sports equipment, but also the celebration and official launch of a 1200m 4G mini astro-turf at Astra Primary School, one of the Junior School of Excellence centers; a first facility of its kind in the townships of Nelson Mandela Bay.The multi-purpose astro-turf was funded by the local e’Zethu Development Trust, Empower and the Sedbergh School in the UK, through the Bhubesi Pride Foundation. Astra Primary serves as a hub in the Northern Areas, meaning that the turf will be available for structured use by the community at large primarily for Hockey and Soccer training.

By donating sports equipment, the contributors were also securing a spot to show off their football skills in friendly games played on the new turf. The first game saw the heads of the Business Chamber and UTS going head to head against the Astra boys in a very entertaining 15 minutes. Needless to say, the young blood took charge in their territory and showed the businessmen who’s boss on the turf!

With all these festivities amalgamated on Mandela Day, it was only fitting that the event was dignified by the presence of Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay and President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Dr Danny Jordaan. Other dignitaries included the CEOS and Directors of the businesses represented in the Business Chamber, as well as representatives from the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the headmasters of our Senior School of Excellence partner schools. In a warm speech, the honourable Mayor showed appreciation for the work that United Through Sport does to uplift and develop the youth that come from such disadvantaged communities in the Bay, giving these youngsters a much brighter hope for their future.

Mandela Day 2016 was a very special day for United Through Sport, highlighting the importance of concrete partnerships to pursue common goals. It was indeed very powerful to come together with the above mentioned institutions and organisations, holding hands in promoting youth development through sport.

“Facilities like this one and partnerships like these are the key to long term sustainable development.  We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to working with United Through Sport and the other key partners in the future”, Dr Danny Jordaan, Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor.

"The children are the future"- this is a statement that just cannot be disputed. It is always so heart-warming and hopeful to see young people standing up for what they believe in, particularly when it comes to fighting for their rights!

The young people of the Nelson Mandela Bay showcased this on the 20th February 2016 as they participated in a "Youth March Against Violence" to voice their concerns about all the violence and crime happening in their communities. Towards the end of 2015, United Through Sport, alongside two other local NGOs, started a vibrant and active youth network to promote, develop and create opportunities for the youth of Nelson Mandela Bay. The Youth 1st Network and its members used this platform to engage with the local municipality about the unsafe communities the youth live in. This was done in the form of a march where a petition was handed over to a representative of the Mayor. To motivate the youth, a speaker addressed the children about the importance of staying in school and avoiding criminal activities. The speaker was an ex-convict himself, who has since turned into a business man.

On that Saturday morning, over 500 youth marched in the streets of the CBD, hoping their voices will be heard. The petition signed requested more visible policing, less tolerance of illegal behaviour, the erection of fully functional CCTV/cameras to cover the streets and public spaces (which will minimise the need for human witnesses), more protection for eye witnesses of crime, a serious crack-down on gang leaders, more community cooperation in bringing criminals to justice and a concentrated effort to reduce illegal gun possession, ownership and smuggling.

Leading up to the event, the Junior School of Excellence beneficiaries at United Through Sport spent their life skills and mentoring sessions discussing violence; the causes, results, impact on society as well as prevention options. The children are affected by crime on a daily basis in their communities, and sadly so even in their own homes. The key solution that the beneficiaries came up with to minimizing this issue was education. The children see education and employment as key factors to putting a stop to the crime in their communities. Being involved in the march and signing the petition made them feel empowered that they can be the change they want to see in their communities.

"Holding my poster up, walking with the group gave me the spirit that through my actions I can make a positive change in the world"- Anifa, 12 yrs old, United Through Sport Beneficiary