Youngsters benefit from TMF generosity
Soccer speaks to the youth in a language they understand.
The spirit of Madiba with regards to fighting social injustices lives on.
The late former president, Nelson Mandela, made a call for the next generation to take on the burden of addressing the world’s social injustices.
The Media Factory (TMF), based in Bedfordview and in conjunction with the Joburg East Express, answered the called when they decided to make a simple dream of the City Killers soccer team, based in Jumpas informal settlement, come true.
TMF hosted a soccer tournament on July 15 at Jumpas, as part of its Mandela month initiatives, together with the EXPRESS as a media partner.
The City Killers received new soccer boots, soccer balls, shin guards and bibs.
“We wanted to give hope to the young, aspiring soccer stars in Jumpas,” said TMF’s director, Alan Kietzman.
The day was spent playing soccer and having fun.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that other things cannot. Soccer speaks to the youth in a language they understand,” said Greenstone resident, Semone Skosan, a Schwarzkopf Professional Mrs South Africa finalist.
“We do not just report on the news in our area. We care deeply for those within our communities.
“Our journalist, Busi Vilakazi, who is tenacious in her reporting on the plight of residents in information settlements, recently had an informal discussion with Mrs Skosan and shared with her the challenges faced by residents of Jumpas,” said the EXPRESS’ Editor, Marietta Lombard.
This lead to Mrs Skosan identifying City Killers as a beneficiary and inspired her office to assist with the team’s needs for Mandela Day.
“In our office we love sports, so when I told the team about City Killers, everyone fell in love. We also wanted to use the the significance behind the day to take action and inspire change wherever we go,” said Mrs Skosan.
“I felt it in my heart that soccer is all about unity and I wanted to give the boys hope,” said Mrs Skosan.
“A scripture very dear to me, Ephesians 4:3 says, ‘Make every effort to keep unity of the spirit through the bond of peace’. I would like to leave our soccer boys at Jumpas with the hope of reaching their dreams. Making a dream a reality and also showing God’s love,” said Mrs Skhosan.
Ms Alison Roberts, one of the founders of City Killers, was pleased with the donations made to the team.
“Today TMF touched lives beyond what they can imagine. It was not just the boys but the whole community of Jumpas was acknowledged. They gave them a moment to forget about their circumstances and just have fun. I thank them from the bottom of our heart,” said Ms Roberts.
“Mandela Day is more than just a celebration. It is a global movement where everyone is challenged to change the world for the better,” said the EXPRESS’ journalist, Busi Vilakazi.
