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Boosting Community Sports Development

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture (SRAC) Directorate has kicked off the year with a major boost for local sports clubs, nonprofit organisations, and promising athletes. More than 30 clubs and organisations have received essential equipment and financial support, reaffirming the Metro’s commitment to grassroots sports development.

A Celebration of Commitment

During a handover ceremony at Young Park Sports Complex, community sports leaders and athletes beamed with joy as SRAC Mayoral Committee Member, Cllr Bongekile Mankahla, officially presented the much-needed support. Encouraging continued dedication, she praised the clubs for their vital role in nurturing young talent and fostering positive change.

Elizabeth Konnight, President of Bethelsdorp’s Netball Association, highlighted the transformative impact of netball in her community, which faces challenges such as crime, gangsterism, and substance abuse. “Netball is an escape for many young girls. We currently have eight registered clubs, and we are working hard to get more youth off the streets and onto the court,” she said.

A Significant Investment in the Future

The Metro has allocated a total of R1,513,200 to support external sports organisations for the 2024-25 financial year. The funding benefits semi-professional football clubs in the ABC Motsepe and SASOL League, sports federations, NGOs, and local clubs across 28 wards.

“This program is about more than just funding—it’s about creating opportunities and providing the necessary resources to help local sports thrive. We’ve ensured a fair and transparent selection process to prevent duplicate funding and to maximise impact,” said MMC Mankahla.

Safeguarding Sports Facilities

As part of the broader effort to uplift local sports, NMB Sport Confederation’s Winty Ngcukana urged the community to protect sports facilities from vandalism. “These investments can only make a difference if we take care of them. We need to ensure our fields, courts, and equipment remain available for future generations,” he said.

With this initiative, Nelson Mandela Bay continues to show its dedication to building a stronger, more active sporting culture, proving that investing in sports is investing in the community’s future.