Maisha Molepo Foundation uses sports to promote social cohesion in Alexandra
A local foundation brought together the Alexandra community, participating in football and netball games, and proving that sports can stitch a divided community.
The Alexandra community, recently marred by protests that threatened to tear apart its already fragile unity, was given an opportunity to set aside differences and come together through sports.
The Maisha Molepo Foundation carried the responsibility of empowering the community, giving men, women, and children a rare chance to unite for a day of sports, laughter, and togetherness at 3 Square Sports Centre on July 18.
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Speaking to Alex News on July 20, Maisha Molepo said the main aim was to celebrate the legacy of Nelson Mandela by donating soccer and netball kits, funded by the National Lottery Commission (NLC).
As the nation celebrated Mandela Day, with many spending their 67 minutes in service of others, Molepo said they wanted to follow his message by using sports as a tool to unite the masses.
Drawing large crowds of residents, Molepo was thrilled that the event achieved exactly what they had hoped. “The participants showed us that we had made changes in their lives in just a day.”
Early in the morning, at least four senior teams, including Alex Veterans, Soweto Veterans, Alex Gogos, and Soweto Gogos, took to the field in a bid to seize the tournament’s senior competition glory.
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Additionally, young boys and girls also participated in matches, competing for the tournament’s trophies.
David Lamola, coach of Happy Birds, one of the teams that lifted the trophy, said they were glad to bring the boys together in a community sporting event that gives everyone an opportunity to participate.
His U17 boys, though still in development, showed skill on the field to clinch victory.
Lamola emphasised that their participation was about more than sports; it was about discipline and staying away from the negative influences of Alexandra’s streets.
“They are still young. I want them to continue, and I advise them to stay away from harmful activities. They should not associate themselves with children who walk with weapons, drink alcohol, or smoke. They should focus more on their books because education is the power of life.”
Beyond the energetic sporting activities, the foundation, through its partnership with the Thami Xalasha Foundation, donated essential food parcels to Alexandra’s elderly residents.
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