Domestic workers form netball team
PARKHURST – Local domestic workers have fun, form a sisterly bond and play netball in The Parks Netball team.
A local netball team, mostly comprised of domestic workers, has become a powerful example of community empowerment and excellence through sport.
The Parks Netball team is mainly comprised of domestic workers working in ‘The Parks’ area of Joburg and practices are held at Parkhurst Primary School twice per week.
In recent months it has grown to include several professional women who are drawn to its commitment to the game of netball and the deep sense of connection it provides.
The team was recently presented with a kit and other equipment bearing their brand new logo, and launched its own Facebook page, showcasing the team’s professional look and commitment to ‘creating community through netball’.
In creating its own branding and media presence, The Parks Netball is being supported by JT Communication Solutions, powered by Mindshare and ECAfrica.
“We are really happy to have partners to help us tell our story and take The Parks Netball to new levels of achievement,” said Grace Matoni who co-founded the team in 2018.
“From our small beginnings we have built The Parks Netball team into one that has started playing games against other teams, and attracts more and more women from the area.
“Netball has given us a way to keep fit and healthy while also having fun.”
Although in a full-time job and with her own many netball league commitments, Gabisile Dladla signed on as the team’s coach. Her late mother was a domestic worker and Dladla attended Parkhurst Primary School as a youngster. “It has been amazing to see the team’s skill and fitness levels improve,” she said.
“When I first started coaching them, they were unfit and in the beginning, we only organised games against players their age. But the team has become so good they are playing against youngsters and winning. Next year we are really looking at entering The Parks Netball team into a proper league.” She added that a ‘bond of sisterhood’ had developed in the team.
Matoni is a Ward 117 committee member and she got the inspiration for starting the team after reading about a netball team that was playing at nearby Zoo Lake.
Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck also gave his support for the project – with the final piece of the plan falling into place when Parkhurst Primary School agreed that the team could use its facilities for practice.
To get involved with, or support, the team one can contact The Parks Netball Facebook page or contact Matoni directly.
Details: Grace Matoni gracematoni4@gmail.com; 073 2070989.
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