Organisation hosts netball tournament in Kempton Park
The event was used as an opportunity to unite families and make sure they have a great time.
You Are Not Alone (YANA) Women and Family Centre hosted its third annual netball tournament at Norkem Park High School on May 26.
“We hosted this unisex netball tournament to promote gender equality.
“Also, we would like to use this opportunity to unite families and make sure they have a great time,” said social worker and founder of YANA, Jabulile Maseko.
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Maseko said that she started the organisation because of the rampant abuse she sees in the community and she wanted to do her part in eradicating it.
“A lot of people are facing abuse and they find it difficult to talk.
“Men mostly find it difficult to talk because society tells them they are weak if they cry, so instead of crying and letting out their emotions, they lash out and abuse their loved ones.
“We want everyone to know that this a free and safe space for them to express themselves.”
Maseko said that she works alongside the local police, the Department of Education, the Department of Social Development and the Thembisa Stakeholders Forum.
She added that she is grateful for the support she gets from all the stakeholders as they assist her in making a difference in society.
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Additionally, Maseko said that she would like to see YANA spread out across the country and provide a safe space for those who are facing abuse.
“I want people to know that our services are free and they’re not alone.
“YANA is here for them,” she said.
Busisiwe Majola from Thato One Big Family, which is an LGBTQIA+ organisation, spoke to Kempton Express.
“Our organisation was started about three years ago to help people in the LGBTQIA+ community by providing them with space to express themselves freely,” she said.
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Majola added that this is their second year participating in the event.
Midrand Royals came on top of the U15 group standings, with YANA’s U19 team and YANA senior team coming first in the U19 and senior standings respectively.
