Local soccer legend is on a social crusade

The negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has spurred charity organisations and good-willed individuals to supplement government’s social relief interventions.

They have interceded particularly in socially and economically depressed areas like Alexandra.

Soccer legend Sibusiso Zwane, founder of Sibusiso Cosmos Zwane Foundation, is among those helping out. Zwane is from the township and, after distributing food parcels to more than 60 families at one of several similar events, said, “We can’t fold our hands when others are at their worst time of need.”

He also spoke of the foundation’s annual summer and winter school uniform donation to needy schoolgoing children, “It has been my passion from a young age, and as a soccer player, to share with others in the township which many view negatively.”

Zwane has coached talented youth into prominent professional players of the game. He is a community builder who helps the elderly, disabled people and youth in need survive through the food parcels. This, along with the endearment he receives from the public, helps deepen his social commitment.

“I am most concerned about the youth with potential but are denied by circumstances from reaching their potential in life.”

He added that many are not able to adhere to social distancing in their cramped homes, which causes worry as the virus could easily spread in highly-populated settlements. Zwane appealed to others to join the crusade.

“Please come to the party to expand the pool of services necessary to mitigate the scourge. Alex may be small in size but has a big and deep problem of poverty requiring partnerships to resolve.”

His dream is to leave a legacy remembered for improving the image of the township. Joseph Setlhake, founder of Ithabeleng Organisation for the Disabled, lauded the foundation for 10 food parcels given to its members.

“The recipients who are unemployed or [have] lost jobs and income due to the lockdown received mealie meal, rice, tinned food, rice, tea bags, sugar and bread, which will last them for a long time,” Setlhake explained.

He added that the relief was quick and responded to an emergency situation pending government’s response to the organisation’s request for support. “We commend the foundation for caring and Zwane for checking on us often.”