Imizamo yebagibeli shines in Durban July

The provincial MEC of Culture Sport and Recreation Ms Sibongile Manana kept her promise of supporting Imizamo Yebagibeli Traditional Horse Racing Association of Kwa Ngema in the Mkhondo Local Munipality.

Her outmost support was even seen by her presence to cheer the equestrians while displaying their horse racing skills in the Dundee July 2013 traditional horse racing event.

The team achieved the third place in the Grade Two International Race category where they were awarded with a lump sum of R8 500.

“It is exciting to see young people in highly impoverished areas like Kwa-Ngema displaying such enthusiasm towards a sport considered as a sport for the rich, their zeal and hard work through training and preparation for tournaments such as the Dundee July really push us as government to take notice of their efforts. We are therefore committed to supporting the development of this sport and also to encourage young people throughout the province to participate in horse back riding” said Manana.

“This is an indication that there is a lot of potential in this sport and as a Department we must invest in the talent of these young jockeys,” she added.

Prior to the team’s departure to Dundee, Manana presented them with attire which was used in the race.

In her 2013/14-budget vote, Manana mentioned that as custodians of all matters of sports in the province her department was obligated to create a conducive environment for sport development, providing financial assistance and leading in the transformation of sport.

She also expressed her appreciations in the work done by non government associations such as Imizamo Yabagibeli in training and grooming young people in the sport.

The Dundee July was started in 2006 it has since rejuvenated horse riding, sporting social and economic life of the Mkhondo region  which is previously known for its large coal reserves and historic battlefield memorials.