The 9th of August is a holiday which reminds us of the role played by women in changing the legislation. It reminds South Africa of the women who stood together to fight together for a great cause. Mpilenhle Foundation is an almost a year-old organisation that has made an impact in the community of Newcastle by giving out food parcels, clean-up campaigns, and a shoe drive; Mpilenhle Foundation has hit the ground running by touching lives of the community of Newcastle in their point of need.
Mpilenhle Foundation aims to continue to have various programs that will have remarkable impact on the community in which it is situated. The tournament celebrated women in sport, recognised them and empowered them by giving them a platform to showcase their talent. Women are still labelled as a disadvantaged group; therefore, it is important to take every opportunity that arises to shine a light on them, especially on such an important day. Words are not enough to advocate the opportunities women have. Actions are the ones that open doors and give recognition.
Moreover, the woman’s sports tournament brought the community together as the people of Newcastle came in their numbers to Osizweni Sports Ground to support its women. Mpilenhle Recycling, as the main sponsor of this sports tournament was thrilled to see the community of Newcastle and parts of Amajuba District (Dannhauser and Utrecht) in one place with a common goal: to celebrate women in sports.
The three main sporting codes that participated in the tournament were Netball, Ladies Soccer and Indigenous Games. The 2022 results of the Mpilenhle Foundation Sports Tournament are as follows:
NETBALL
| FISRT PRIZE WINNER | SECOND PRIZE WINNER | THIRD PRIZE WINNER |
|---|---|---|
| Arrivals: R10 000 | Real Vultures: R5000 | Future Young Ladies: R2500 |
Individual prize categories were; Best shooter of the tournament, best central, best defender and best player. Each player received an individual trophy for an outstanding performance in their specified category.
LADIES SOCCER
| FISRT PRIZE WINNER | SECOND PRIZE WINNER | THIRD PRIZE WINNER |
|---|---|---|
| Happy Crown FC | Khananite FC | Rainbow Stars FC |
Individual prize categories were; The best player of the tournament, the best promising player and the youngest promising team.
INDIGENOUS GAMES
| Amagenda | Ingqathu | Induku | Drie Stokkies | Dibeke | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Emadlangeni | Emadlangeni | Newcastle | Emadlangeni | Big Nuz |
| Silver | Dannhauser | Newcastle | Dannhauser | Young Stars | |
| Bronze | Super Stars | ||||
| Incuva | Khokho males | Khokho females | Jukskie | Umlabalaba | |
| Gold | Old Star | Emadlangeni | Newcastle | Newcastle | Newcastle |
| Silver | Omega | Newcastle | Emadlangeni | Emadlangeni | Utrecht |
| Bronze | Ellis | Dannhauser | Simunye | Madadeni |
Overall results
| Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle | Emadlangeni | Dannhauser |
The sports tournament was a tremendous success, and all deserving participants received their prizes. The words of Netball Chairperson, Thulile Masimula confirms the significant impact made by Mpilenhle Foundation as he said “It is inspiring to us to have netball playing for equal incentives as other sporting codes. It means a lot to us, and we look forward to collaborating with you many more years to come”. The chairperson of Indigenous Games, Mr Moloi also added and said “We would like to humbly thank Mpilenhle Foundation for the opportunity it gave us as Amajuba Indigenous Games”.
Mpilenhle Foundation is for the community. The foundation will continue to hold up to its objectives which includes empowering communities. The Women’s Sports Tournament became a dream made true because of the warm welcome by all sports associations involved and the Amajuba Districts community. The foundation aims to cement its relationship with the community through such events.
By Nomhle Sithole
NPO Coordinator/Sales Rep
Mpilenhle Recycling
