Building communities through the power of sports in South Africa

“Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sports can create hope, where there was once only despair.” - Nelson Mandela

This is what the Abashintshi, who are sponsored by Sappi to achieve social change, are managing to achieve in their communities. Over and above the holiday programmes that they arrange in July and December, they have now also started with arranging sports days in their communities in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, and the results have been a resounding success.

The encouraging news is that communities understand the importance of these tournaments, and as a result, have started to manage their own sports days in partnership with the Abashintshi in their areas; as they see the benefits and opportunities for events like this.

This move is welcomed by Sappi, who has partnered with the Abashintshi to make these sports days come to life by sponsoring team prizes and trophies. Community members are encouraged to continue participating in the events and to use these days to get support from other role-players as well.

The Abashintshi are using the skills they gained in their training programme, such as Project Management, to plan and organise these tournaments.