Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Directorate kicked off the year by sponsoring over 30 sports clubs, non-profit organisations, and outstanding sports stars with equipment and financial assistance.
At the Young Park Sports Complex handover ceremony, community developers expressed their joy as Councillor Bongekile Mankahla, SRAC Member of the Mayoral Committee, officially presented the equipment.
She encouraged clubs to continue their valuable work throughout the Metro.
Bethelsdorp’s Netball Association President, Elizabeth Konnight, highlighted netball’s role as a refuge for young girls in communities facing crime, gangsterism, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse.
“We have eight netball clubs registered with our association. Our vision is to keep children away from the streets and make a positive impact through netball development,” Konnight said.
MMC Mankahla praised the grassroots efforts of these clubs, affirming the Metro’s dedication to developing future sports stars, saying that “R1 513 200 has been allocated to support external sports organisations for the 2024-25 financial year. This has impacted the entire Metro, with 32 clubs from 28 wards receiving support. The funds are distributed among semi-professional football clubs, sports federations, NGOs, and local clubs.”
She further explained that the financial support aims to assist identified organisations in developing sports programmes that promote strategic objectives, support South African sport, and ensure strategic enablers are in place. “We advertised for organisations or individuals to apply for assistance and established a committee to prevent double-dipping, ensuring recommendations align with adopted guidelines,” she added.
Winty Ngcukana, of the NMB Sport Confederation, noted that the sponsorship would significantly enhance sporting activity in the Metro and urged residents to safeguard sports facilities against local school vandalism, highlighting its detrimental impact on communities.
