Mamelodi centre receives sports equipment

An organisation aiding Mamelodi locals with support to fight off drugs and substance abuse recently received a donation of sports equipment.
Mamelodi Masters and Legends hopes it will encourage the community to keep away from drug dependency and live a healthier lifestyle.

Soccer balls, kits, and netball equipment were donated.

Mamelodi Masters and Legends donated the equipment to develop soccer at grass-root level and keep children busy and away from crime and drugs.

Simon “Exi” Sebothoma from Mamelodi Masters and Legends said, “We have partnered with various organisations involved in sports and culture to develop sports in Mamelodi”.

“Our core mandate as Mamelodi Masters and Legends is to try and develop football at grass-root level,” said Sebothoma.

He added that they were also not focusing on soccer only but introducing children to different sports codes.

Sebothoma said it will help them choose any sports they want to participate in the future.

Mamelodi Masters and Legends believes that there is a lot of talent in Mamelodi.

Ntombizodwa Mhlanga from Thandanani Drop Inn Centre said they are grateful for the donation and that it would help them in the future to keep children busy and away from the streets.

Thabo Kgotsi from the centre said for the past 13 years, the organisation has been serving the community by providing essential services. These include nutritional support, counselling, family reunion celebrations, referrals to rehabilitation centres, aftercare for children, support for recovering drug addicts, skills development and employment opportunities.

He said the centre has 35 staff members and 12 volunteers. It provides help to 250 homeless people, 32 people with drug and substance abuse issues, and 130 children who need after-school care.

“The organisation’s accomplishments to date are the establishment of a dedicated shelter in Mamelodi Ext 5 next to the community park by a dynamic and passionate non-profit organisation,” said Kgotsi.

He said the centre facilitated successful rehabilitation journeys for individuals and provided them with employment opportunities.

He added that the centre also achieved successful family reunions, strengthening support networks within the community.

Challenges in the community include illiteracy, high incidences of drug use and associated crime which impact safety, limited availability of recreational spaces, demoralised youth, and a shortage of committed community builders.

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