Rural Sport Programme unearth talent for rural youth

MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Bongi Sithole-Moloi says the hosting of the Provincial Rural Sport Tournament featuring the Province’s traditional councils will help in unearthing talent in rural areas. The tournament was held at Kandahar Sport Grounds and Ladysmith High School in the Alfred Duma Local Municipality on Saturday and Sunday, 24-25 March.

Mnqobokazi Traditional Council from Umkhanyakude District was crowned overall winners, followed by Maphumulo TC from eThekwini Metro and KwaXolo TC from Ugu District took third spot.

The Games are part of the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation’s efforts to unearth talent in rural areas and to encourage the youth to live active and healthy lifestyles. Five Traditional Councils from the Province competed in football, rugby, netball and athletics. This annual event was initiated in 2017 by the Department in partnership with Sport and Recreation South Africa and the National and Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders. Two Traditional Councils participated in last year’s event.

MEC Sithole–Moloi, who officially opened the tournament on Saturday, was overjoyed about the number young people partaking in the tournament. She said the programme does not only provide a platform for rural youth to showcase their talent, but it also encourages healthy lifestyles and social cohesion.

“The primary focus of the tournament is in areas under traditional leadership. This programme plays a huge role in bringing unity between the different izigodi because young people are able to play against each other, which brings peace and harmony. Our icon Nelson Mandela taught us that nothing brings people together like sports, “she said.

Netball players Thobekile Mjaja from eThekwini, who won the prize for best defender and best netball player of the tournament: “I am happy with my performance in this tournament. Playing in this tournament has helped us to know each other and to play together as young people. I want to encourage other young people who are not participating in sport to get involved and work hard in order to win. I also want to be a good role model to others.”

Traditional leaders who attended the event committed themselves to assist in making sure that this programme grows to involve more TCs from all districts in the Province.

Inkosi MAJ Nkosi of Amaswazi was delighted to be the host of the tournament. “I am firm believer that an active body produces a healthy mind. When I see these kids this excited to participate in sports I have hope in the future generation of the Province,” he said.

The tournament is staged from Izigodi/localities within the participating traditional councils, thereafter moves to District tournament and lastly as a provincial event. The participating Traditional Councils are Maphumulo TC from eThekwini, Mnqobokazi TC from Umkhanyakude, KwaXolo TC from Ugu, Vulindlela TC from Umzinyathi as well as AmaSwazi TC in Uthukela.