The Eyesizwe Mining Development Trust (EMDT) and Kasi School Sports officially launched the 2026 Alexandra High Schools Netball Tournament at the 3 Square Sports Centre on August 14, marking the competition’s second year since EMDT began sponsoring it in 2025.

Kasi School Sports director Charles Mokonyama said the initiative was designed to keep learners engaged and away from harmful influences.

Read more: Alex Wolves rugby girls rise onto the national rugby stage

“Ours is simple. It is to empower our learners, and ensure that we remove them from the streets and they focus on sports and on their books,” he said.

Mokonyama explained that growing investment in sporting codes, from football, which the organisation began supporting four years ago, to netball, is a deliberate strategy to shield learners from negative influences such as drug use. Seven schools across Alexandra are taking part.

Beyond simple recreation, Mokonyama said the tournament also offers a pathway for talented young players to be noticed.

“We are going to try by all means to host scouts. We are also supporting players so that they do not only play netball at school. They must grow in it. You never know. You might find one playing for the national team,” he said.

The tournament kicks off on August 20 and will run for six weeks, with matches every Thursday at 15:00 at 3 Square Sports Grounds. The final is set for September 19.

Also read: Royal Tigers show their bite in 4-0 victory against Winter Rose

Representatives from multiple high schools, including teachers and learners, attended the launch. Among them was Unathi Tshabangu, a Grade 9 learner at Realogile Secondary School, who said she was thrilled the season had finally arrived.

“I am excited because it opens a door of opportunities for us. With this Eyesizwe prize, there is a lot we can do, and it also encourages us to continue moving forward,” she said.

The incentives are substantial. The winning school will receive R50 000, and players will get R1 500 vouchers each, while the first and second runners-up will take home R30 000 and R12 500 respectively, with player vouchers worth R1 000 and R5 000. The vouchers are redeemable at retail stores.

EMDT’s Khutsiso Mahlabane stressed that learners’ conduct would matter as much as their performance, urging respect, discipline and punctuality. She noted that they expect participants to represent both their schools and their community.

Mahlabane said EMDT hopes to see growth in academic performance, behaviour, confidence and discipline, adding that the trust remains committed to supporting learners’ ambitions.

“As a trust, we will support them and create opportunities that will help them reach their wildest dreams. Your success is our success,” she said.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!