Premier Makhura launches the third instalment of the Premier’s Social Cohesion Games 2019

“It’s a known fact that football is a common denominator in Gauteng, on the continent and the world over. It transcends all differences and serves to remind us that we have a lot more in common than that which divides us.”

These were the words of Gauteng Premier David Makhura when he launched the third instalment of the Premier’s Social Cohesion Games at a media briefing under the theme Unity in Diversity at the Cine Centre, Killarney Mall.

Makhura said the games have drawn huge support from a wide spectrum of South African personalities from the sporting, cultural and media fraternities and it has also drawn support from the diverse community of the African diaspora living in Gauteng.

The premier quoted the late former president Nelson Mandela who said, ‘Sport has always had the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else can. Sport can awaken hope where there was previously only despair.’

Makura added, “There is nothing closer to the truth than these powerful words as we also believe that sport can transcend race, politics and unite a country, and we hope they can unite the diverse communities from the diaspora and ourselves.”

The games are a result of a collaboration between the Gauteng government, the Hellenic, Italian and Portuguese Alliance and are aimed at promoting social cohesion, nation building and mobilising citizens and communities against racism and xenophobia in Gauteng.

“There is no doubt that sport plays a fundamental role in the development of social cohesion. Through these games, we intend to unite all Gauteng residents against racism, xenophobia and all forms of prejudices that undermine nation-building and social cohesion,” Makhura added.

Social 7-a-side soccer games will be played in the tournament and participating will be former footballers over the age of 35, women from age 25 and gogo’s from age 60. Matches will be played in all five corridors of Gauteng.

Given the theme of social cohesion, all regions will include a national team from various African countries and a team made up of players of different religions and nationalities that constitute the rainbow society of Gauteng.

Also among the participants will be football legends, politicians and celebrities coming together to say ‘No to xenophobia and racism’.

The launch was attended by former African Footballer of the Year and Zambia former international, Kalusha Bwalya, former Bafana captain Lucas Radebe and players Doctor Khumalo, Maimane Phiri, Portia Modise, Jabu Mahlangu, Matthew Booth and Steve Lekoelea, to mention a few, who will also participate in the games.

The games will run until 14 April.

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