700 grade R to grade 3 young girls from 25 Junior Primary Schools in Mdantsane braved the cold weather to participate in the girls rugby festival that took place at NU1 stadium on 16 August 2017.

The girls showed commendable sportsmanship as they battled it out in the field of play demonstrating their skills and flair for rugby; tackling, attacking and defending with so much enthusiasm, gusto and heart.

This festival is an initiative by the Mzuvukile Sports Development in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDOE), Buffallo City Municipality and SA Rugby. It is an extension of a worldwide project called “Get into Rugby”.  The project started in 2015 with 18 schools and the number has since increased to 25 schools currently participating.

Mzuvukile Tempi who is the Executive Director of Mzuvukile Sports Development commented that, one of their objectives and core function as an organization is to identify and nurture talent but it does not only end there as they aim to develop a child holistically, focusing on character and discipline as well. “Sport forms and molds the character of a person, it also shapes the choices one makes in life and instils discipline hence we start these programmes at the foundation phase” said Tempi.

Mpho Ngoma from ECDOE who is also the Provincial Sport Coordinator had this to say, “We are getting these learners to participate in rugby at a young age for development of rugby skills, also promoting mass participation in sport by all schools from grade R to grade 12”. He further commented that these programmes help in keeping the girl child in school “there is improvement in terms of attendance because of these programmes.

 Premier Pumulo Masualle who was also in attendance to commemorate women’s month, pledged the support of his office for such initiatives that focus on the development of young girls. He is also of the view that learners should be developed at a young age so that they can be champions of tomorrow.

Parents also came out in numbers to support their children. One parent, Mr. Gola who is a resident of Mdantsane commended the Mzuvukile Sports Development and the Department of Education for bringing back sport in Townships. “Sport had faded in townships and our children had nothing to do but engage in drugs and alcohol”. When asked why he braved the weather to be at the stadium, he said, “I am here to encourage learners to participate in sport and stay away from drugs”.

 “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it” ~ the book of proverbs.