In a significant move towards community development and youth engagement, North West University (NWU) and the Ikageng Development Agency NPC have officially entered into a strategic partnership aimed at boosting educational opportunities and sporting activities for the Ikageng community. This partnership, the result of two years of negotiation, was formalized by NWU representatives, Mr. Jean-Marc Stidworthy and Mr. Nkosinathi Tom, alongside Ikageng Development Agency NPC’s Chairperson, Mr. Given Tau, and Business Consultant, Mr. Lakes Matolong.
The primary goal of this collaboration is to enhance the enrollment of students from Ikageng into NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus, with the initiative kicking off as a pilot project. The partnership’s first tangible success was the payment of affiliation fees for all 24 football clubs under the JB Marks Football Association, a move set to benefit approximately 960 players at the U17 level.
To celebrate this milestone and honor Women’s Month, NWU, the JB Marks LFA, and the Ikageng Development Agency NPC hosted a football tournament on August 31, 2024. The tournament featured youth and women’s teams from the region, showcasing the growing talent and fostering a sense of community spirit.
The tournament’s fixtures and results were as follows:
Under 13:
- Potch Academy 2 – 0 Piano Boys
Under 15:
- Ikageng Arsenal 0 – 2 Jordan Stars
Under 19:
- Piano Boys 1 – 4 Royal Stars
Women’s:
- Kayo Stars L 0 – 2 Youth Courage
The event was a resounding success, drawing attention to the vibrant sporting culture within the Ikageng community and the promising future of its young athletes. NWU, JB Marks LFA, and Ikageng Development Agency NPC extend their best wishes to all players and clubs for a successful 2024/25 season, with hopes that this partnership will continue to drive positive change and create further opportunities for the community.
As the football season progresses, the collaboration between NWU and Ikageng Development Agency NPC promises to foster growth, both academically and athletically, in the years to come.
