Netball equipment will help local team to net all the goals
The team was founded through a non-profit organization that speaks out against domestic workers' rights.
Maggie Mthombeni came to South Africa from Zimbabwe in 2015 for greener pastures and upon her arrival, she got a job as a domestic worker.
She settled in the City of Gold for 15 years as a cleaner before she retired, Mthombeni became an advocate for domestic worker’s rights through the non-profit organization, Izwi Domestic Workers Alliance as a cofounder.
“We started the organization to fight for our rights and educate ourselves about them and understand our duties at the same time. We are also doing some activities such as sewing, beauty pageants, baking and playing netball.”
Mthombeni told Fourways Review that they started the netball team which she named “Hustlers” because “We as domestic workers are hustling. We noticed that most domestic workers are single parents and take extra lengths to provide for their families with necessities, that is why I gave it that name, we are hustlers.”
“But behind closed doors, we are also facing all forms of harassment, intimidation, like we are treated like slaves and not like other workers in the country. We are helpers, yes, but we must be paid as well because we must have contracts, and pay slips, and be registered with the Department of Labor.”
She said when she met with the other local domestic workers and discussed their issues, it all made sense for them to relieve their stress through a netball team.
“I bought some balls and we just started playing with the ladies, some as they were passing by asked about what we are doing and just like that the number increased to twenty and we began to play netball. Then, we started to recruit young girls so that we take them off the streets and empower them.”
“We are teaching them also about how to treat themselves to avoid teenage pregnancies. We also provide mentorships about being a domestic worker because that is what we do. Things like how to iron, doing laundry for instance, how to remove bubblegum if it has stuck on a clothing item or tips on how to get rid of a burn smell if you burned your food while cooking. We also teach them about Johannesburg because it is very different.”
Mthombeni said since the idea of a netball team popped into her mind, they achieved great milestones and have won trophies which is just the cherry on top.
“Last year, we got the number one spot after winning a netball competition in Soweto. We have been around the areas of Johannesburg because of various competitions.”
She added that their biggest challenge remains equipment such as a netball kit for their ever-growing team, and that is why she is asking Fourways residents for donations.
“We are asking for these donations so that they can keep us going because we only have two balls, but you know they burst, and we must buy them. Sometimes we do contribute money, however, others are struggling because we are hustlers and stay in different areas which forces most of them to travel for work. That is why we cannot always ask for donations.”
Mthombeni said that they have added sanitary towels for disadvantaged young girls.
“The menstrual circle is not a choice, and I personally saw young girls who are struggling during their periods because they cannot afford to buy pads. So, we are trying to make them for free and we will distribute them.”
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