Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya brought a ray of hope when she donated sports equipment and apparel to underprivileged amateur sports players from Onverwacht in Region 5 at the weekend.

Moya fulfilled her promise to donate sports equipment in the community, a commitment she made last July during her time as the MMC for Community and Social Development Services.

“We had promised the young athletes that we would return to handover the sports apparel following a sport and recreational outreach competition,” said Moya.

The donation was made through esteemed stakeholders, who are passionate about youth development.

The mayor said the initiative was necessary as these young sports players are often exposed to alcohol and substance abuse, and violence.

“Residents of Onverwacht form part of Tshwane’s most underprivileged communities and the young people of this community, too often, fall victim to alcohol and substance abuse as avenues for socialising.

“This, and other initiatives, are designed to provide more productive paths for growth and development. As a caring and responsible city, our ultimate goal remains focused on keeping our children engaged in school and enriching extracurricular activities such as sport,” said Moya.

The mayor continued to implore the public and stakeholders to invest in the sporting talents of the youth of Onverwacht.

“We acknowledge that many of our children are unable to afford the shoes and clothing required to help fulfil their sporting endeavours.

“We are currently short of soccer boots for some of the players, and we would appreciate contributions to secure as many as possible.

“I am appealing to stakeholders and businesses in Tshwane to help support sports development in Tshwane by donating sport equipment and apparel for use by Onverwacht athletes and in communities across the city,” said Moya.

In a similar event, the Community and Social Development Services Ministry in the metro has started hosting a career expo through its Youth Development Unit.

The department’s MMC, Palesa Modise, said the expo is targeting matriculants, students and graduates.

The career expo, which commenced in Hammanskraal on Tuesday, will continue and move to Atteridgeville tomorrow at Mbolekwa Community Hall.

The remaining expos will be held at Refilwe Community Hall on April 10, and Cullinan Library Hall on the following day.

Modise mentioned a range of stakeholders that will be attending the expo, including the Department of Higher Education.

“The main objective of the expo is to allow the City of Tshwane to present career opportunities, bursaries, learnerships and apprenticeships.

“The city remains committed to supporting youth endeavours and will continue to provide platforms that foster growth and development,” said Modise.

The Star

hope.mafu@inl.co.za