Share

CSA commemorates Mandela Day

Cape Town - Cricket South Africa (CSA), commercial partner Momentum and the Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB) commemorated International Nelson Mandela Day by making a contribution to education in Soweto on Monday. The three organisations teamed up to refurbish Molalatladi Primary School in Rockville with the help of their respective staff members and players from the bizhub Highveld Lions.

CSA Chief Executive, Mr Haroon Lorgat said: “Mandela Day is absolutely essential for us because it reminds us of the father of our nation and we have to pay tribute every year to recognize the good that Mandela has done for us.  This day should also serve to remind us of the challenges that we must tackle and resolve to make a better future for all.”

The staff members, Momentum volunteers and Lions players spent their 67 minutes repainting the school buildings, planting vegetables, flowers and trees and fixing broken equipment and jungle gym sets in the playground.

Commenting on the volunteers’ efforts, Danie van den Bergh, head Momentum Brand said, “Every year we look forward to rolling up our sleeves in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service and selfless humility.  Today on Madiba’s birthday, it is a great way for all of us to be reminded of his greatness and to refocus our efforts on building on his legacy, together.  We are pleased to be partnering with our cricket family in refurbishing a school in need in Soweto.  Our strongest future lies in a healthy and well-educated youth.”

The school is Coca-Cola SA U19s coach, Lawrence Mahatlane’s former Primary school. He was delighted to return and spend his 67 minutes contributing to a place near and dear to his heart.

“This is where my love for the game was cultivated with the introduction to mini-cricket by one of my teachers many years ago,” he said. “It is a pleasure to return and make whatever small contribution I can make towards the upkeep of a place that I hold close to my heart.”

CSA would like to thank Sedgars Sport who, for the sixth year running, have donated two sets of full cricket kit valued at R10 000 as well as 50 KFC Mini-Cricket T-shirts to the school and KFC, who provided kiddies meals for the learners.

Julia Ngobeni, Principal of Molalatladi Primary was pleased withh the work done today and thanked all who was involved.

“Today has been such a wonderful day for our school. We could not have imagined it going better than it has,” Ngobeni commented. “The way that cricket has influenced our school and the learners has been life-changing to so many of our children. I would like to thank all who have contributed to this unforgettable day from the bottom of our hearts. We will be telling this story for many years to come and we hope that we will see a Protea or two come from our school in the very near future.”

GCB CEO, Mr Gregory Fredericks said; “It is an honour and privilege for us as GCB to contribute to this school and take part in a day as special as this. Mandela Day serves to remind us of the huge sacrifices that were made by the great man and we are honoured to come to this school, which has falls under the GCB network of schools.

“The Soweto Oval is just around the corner from here and the community has done so much in supporting our team, the bizhub Highveld Lions. 

As we are playing here against Titans in the annual Momentum Ekasi Challenge, we were keen to come here and show our support and appreciation to them. 

We hope that we will see a fresh crop of talent coming from this school and others in the area.”

This year the Momentum eKasi Challenge will take place on 07 September 2016.  

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE