The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) football teams visited Leamogetswe Home of Hope on Thursday, 20 July, as part of their Nelson Mandela Day initiative.
This was not the teams’ first visit to the home, as they had visited last year. According to Bushy Moloi, the coach of the TUT men’s football team, the initiative was meant to encourage teams to give back to their communities.
“As the team, we took it upon ourselves to respect the legacy that our former president left for us. We only spent the whole day there, and hopefully next time we could stay overnight to get a sense of what the children go through on a daily basis,” Moloi said.
Moloi added that the day also served as a day for the teams to reflect on their own life experiences. “Some of the players come from similar backgrounds to the children at the home. It was an opportunity for the team to appreciate the opportunity that God has given them to display their talent through education and football. It was a reminder for them to look forward to the future. We are grateful to the university and surrounding communities for affording us that opportunity,” he told Varsity Sports.
In addition to donating non-perishable foods, in partnership with the Division of Student Affairs and Extracurricular Development (SAED) and other Divisions within TUT, the teams cleaned the home and cooked for the kids. Based in Atteridgeville, West of Pretoria, Leamogetswe is home to 105 orphaned children.
“What was critical in the life of the late Nelson Mandela was service unto the people. We are happy that we brought our champions to be here, and contribute towards your future, as future leaders of South Africa. As TUT, we are a people’s university. As a result, it is of critical importance that we intervene in the lives of our people in our various communities,” said SAED Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Acting Senior DVC, Dr Ezekiel Moraka.
Dr Moraka added, “We are here today to make a contribution to the future of these children, as they are society’s future leaders.”
The University’s Department of Agriculture further planted vegetables in the home’s garden.
The reigning Varsity Cup Champions are looking to defend their status during the upcoming season, with their first match set to take place on July 27.
By Zizipo Mbeki
