VANDERBIJLPARK – The Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and community empowerment through sport.

Executive mayor Sipho Radebe led a special handover of soccer, rugby, and netball kits to five local schools last week, in recognition of their exceptional performance, teamwork, and resilience.

The beneficiary schools include Rutasetjaba Secondary School, Khutlo Tharo Secondary School, Sizanane Thusanang Comprehensive School, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark, and Vaal High School.

The handover followed the successful Mayoral Cup, recently hosted at Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark, where the schools excelled in various sporting codes.

Their victories reflected not only athletic excellence but also discipline, teamwork, and the strong community values that define Emfuleni’s youth.

Speaking during the handover, Radebe highlighted the significance of the initiative: “Today we hand over more than just soccer, rugby, and netball jerseys. We hand over opportunity, a chance for every learner to train with dignity, compete with courage, and represent our community with integrity. When our young people have the right gear and the right support, they discover that discipline, teamwork, and perseverance can carry them beyond the field.”

The three-day programme was marked by enthusiasm and community pride, featuring musical performances and heartfelt messages from learners and educators.

The event underscored the municipality’s ongoing efforts to strengthen school sports and promote youth participation as part of its broader developmental agenda.

In a moving highlight of the proceedings, Thabiso Innocent Xaba, a Grade 10 learner from Sizanane Thusanang Comprehensive School, was recognised for his outstanding achievement in being selected to represent South Africa on a sports tour to Italy.

To make this journey possible, Thabiso requires R51 500 to cover travel and participation costs, a call to action that has inspired community members, businesses, and civic partners to contribute towards his dream.

The Emfuleni Local Municipality encourages all stakeholders to support Thabiso’s journey and help ensure that local talent continues to shine on international stages.