In South Africa we’ve seen school sports, particularly in marginalised and previously disadvantaged areas, often take a knock. From very little to no resources, in some instances, extra-curricular activities are prematurely cancelled or even non-existent.
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While government does try for all schools in the country to have enough resources to have sport up and running, socio-economic issues become a major deterrent. We can write a book about how these challenges impact development, transformation and equity.
If resources run thin for the boy child, imagine how further down the pecking order young girls are. And in order to ensure that young girls have access to sports facilities that are well-run, safe and sustainable, society needs to pull together from all directions.
“The Stand Tall initiative instils determination and resilience in individuals, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential within the sport of netball.”
Telkom Chief Marketing Officer, Gugu Mthembu
From government, to corporate and as members of the communities we live in. We all need to commit to ensure that sport is used as one of the tools to building our nation.
the pupil that comes off worst, when extra-curricular activities are prematurely cancelled or even non-existent.
Image: Screenshot of Telkom’s Stand Tall campaign video on YouTube
One giant, Africa’s largest communication company, Telkom, has done just that. Telkom has stood out above the rest, and consistently dedicated resources to the development of the girl child in Netball.
Along with its partnership with Netball South Africa, the marriage between the two has seen young girls given the opportunity to dream and see the possibilities that lie ahead, if you commit to a career in sport.
This sentiment was echoed by Telkom Chief Marketing Officer, Gugu Mthembu, speaking at the gsport Business Breakfast hosted at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
“We firmly believe that sports has the power to drive positive social change and pave the way for a prosperous future for our country. We take immense pride in contributing to the development of Netball in South Africa and creating opportunities for countless players.”
“We have a very bold brand purpose which talks about making sure that we leave no South African behind. So if we say we’re leaving no one behind, we therefore cannot leave women behind.”
Through its Stand Tall Campaign, the telecommunication giant, teamed up with South Africa’s top Netball players, including captain Bongiwe Msomi, to host Netball Clinics around the country. These clinics saw these superstars and role models interact with young netball players who are hoping to one day don the green and gold of South Africa.
who are hoping to one day don the green and gold of South Africa.
Image: Screenshot of Telkom’s Stand Tall campaign video on YouTube
Mthembu elaborates: “We provided the players the platform to each go back to where they come from and plant a clinic and also plant facilities so that we could have more participation in the sport.”
These platforms allowed these renowned players to: “Showcase their skill and talent, but also to encourage greater participation in the sport, and recognising the importance of empowering and supporting these aspiring athletes, enabling them to shine both nationally and internationally,” adds Mthembu.
“This priceless moment allowed the would-be stars to see and hear that where you come from doesn’t always determine where you are going. Coming from a township, or a rural area that enjoys no resources or any form of support for sport, doesn’t mean you cannot overcome that and one day stand in global stages representing your country.
including captain Bongiwe Msomi, to host Netball Clinics around the country.
Image: Screenshot of Telkom’s Stand Tall campaign video on YouTube
“They shared their illustrious stories about the challenges they’ve had to overcome, exemplifying the idea that standing tall in believing in oneself can lead to extraordinary achievements. These ambassador stories served as powerful examples that inspire and empowers the youth to embrace their journeys in netball and life.”
“The Stand Tall initiative instils determination and resilience in individuals, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential within the sport of netball.”
“As we enjoy the legacy of hosting the 2023 Netball World Cup, for the first time in Africa, it’ll be important to leverage from it and grow the sport in the country. As earlier stated, that dream can be realised through long-lasting partnerships that share a common vision like Netball SA and Telkom. The community will play a significant role as well in ensuring that these facilities are not vandalised or misused, the girls using them are safe and given the room to flourish and grow,” said Mthembu.
come from, and plant a clinic and also plant facilities, so that we could have more participation in the sport.”
Image: Screenshot of Telkom’s Stand Tall campaign video on YouTube
In closing, the Telkom CMO, captures what should be a common goal for all of us. To one day have many more Bongi Msomi’s who have risen from the toughest circumstances but through sport, have made themselves and the nation proud.
“By fostering a nurturing environment and creating opportunities, Telkom continues to shape the landscape of netball and inspire future generation of players. I’d like to say let’s use this year as let’s use this year to usher in a century of women in sports and not just a year of women in sports.”
Main Photo Caption: Telkom Chief Marketing Officer Gugu Mthembu addresses the 2023 gsport Business Breakfast, hosted at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in Sandton, on Friday, 22 September, 2023. Photo: Rebecca Hearfield (c) gsport
Photo 1 Caption: School sport is at the forefront of early girl child development, and with so many poorly resourced schools, it is often the pupil that comes off worst, when extra-curricular activities are prematurely cancelled or even non-existent. Image: Screenshot of Telkom’s Stand Tall campaign video on YouTube
Photo 2 Caption: Through its Stand Tall Campaign, the telecommunication giant, teamed up with South Africa’s top Netball players, including captain Bongiwe Msomi, to host Netball Clinics around the country. Image: Screenshot of Telkom’s Stand Tall campaign video on YouTube
Photo 3 Caption: These clinics saw these superstars and role models interact with young netball players who are hoping to one day don the green and gold of South Africa. Image: Screenshot of Telkom’s Stand Tall campaign video on YouTube
Photo 4 Caption: Telkom Chief Marketing Officer Gugu Mthembu says: “We provided the players the platform to each go back to where they come from and plant a clinic and also plant facilities so that we could have more participation in the sport.” Image: Screenshot of Telkom’s Stand Tall campaign video on YouTube
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