Kgothatso Mokoena and the Bophelong Youth Development Programmes successfully hosted the Virginia Sports Tournament, previously known as the Nnuku Radebe Games.
The tournament took place on April 25 and 26 at Dieketseng Primary School in Meloding, Virginia. This event was organized following persistent calls from the youth of Meloding, urging political leaders to focus on improving sporting facilities, prioritizing sports, and fostering social cohesion through recreational activities. These efforts aim to combat issues such as gangsterism, drug abuse, and alcohol misuse among the youth.
Kgothatso Mokoena, a community builder and human rights activist, alongside Bophelong Youth Development Programmes and YWCA, emphasized the importance of organizing youth recreational activities to engage young people positively. Meloding, Virginia, is currently facing significant economic challenges after the closure of mines, which has limited opportunities for youth self-development and increased their exposure to harmful activities.
The tournament aimed to keep children and youth off the streets, leveraging technology and sports to promote better information transfer and usage. Organizers indicated that the initiative also seeks to partner with local organizations to address drug abuse, raise awareness about its serious impact, and develop a series of anti-drug and anti-gang crime activities to help remove youth from harmful environments.
Harmony Mine has been a key supporter of this initiative, serving as the main sponsor and partner.
“We wish to thank Harmony Mine and all stakeholders, especially Dieketseng Primary School and the team Managers for their continued support in driving this initiative. Indeed, it takes a village to raise a child, and together we can,” said Kgothatso Mokoena.
The tournament was held in partnership with Harmony, Bophelong Youth Development Programmes, Department of Social Development (Provincial and District office), SAPS Meloding Social Crime Prevention Unit, Men Championing Change, Young Women Christian Association, YWCA, and Dieketseng Primary school
Officials from various government departments attended, and each played a part in the awareness sessions.
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