“Grab your opportunity!” That was the message to the youth from gsport Founder Kass Naidoo, who sat on a Laureus Aspire17 Youth Summit panel of women in sport discussing how young people can become more employable in South Africa, at the Balalaika Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Thursday 19 September, 2024.
The panel also featured prominent figures such as Laureus Sport for Good South Africa Ambassadors Dumi Chauke, Deshun Deysel, Motshidisi Mohono and Natalie du Toit, who shared insights on how sport can be a force for good in building a brighter future for youth.
Speaking to the gsport Newsroom after her session, Naidoo spoke of the importance of supporting young people: “It’s time to back the youth, empower them, create employment opportunities, and build a new generation of skilled individuals who can make a positive impact on the country.”
She continued, “We’re driven by a need to bridge the visibility gap and provide real, hands-on opportunities for women to develop their skills in high-pressure environments. It’s not just about giving them a chance—it’s about creating an environment where they can thrive, grow, and become future leaders.”
Naidoo reiterated her call for youth to seize the opportunities available to them.
“We can create the platform and the opportunities, but it’s up to the youth to step up, take full advantage of them, and make the most of what’s in front of them!”
gsport Founder, Kass Naidoo
In 2024, gsport celebrates five years of actively creating employment in the sport sector through the Momentum gsport Awards campaign. During this time, gsport has played a pivotal role in providing jobs and professional development opportunities, equipping women with the skills necessary to excel in the sports industry.
Naidoo credited gsport’s success to its commitment to growth and empowerment. “The Momentum gsport Awards is not just a celebration of excellence in women’s sport; it’s a platform for building sustainable career paths,” she said.
“Women involved in the campaign have gained hands-on experience in roles such as media, marketing, event management, and content creation, allowing them to grow in confidence and capability.”
Naidoo’s comments come on the back of the successful #gsport19 campaign, which saw women who began as interns and vacation workers before the Covid-19 pandemic now taking on leadership roles. These women, having gained critical experience and mentorship through gsport, now head key areas of the gsport Awards campaign.
“The evolution from entry-level roles to leadership positions reflects gsport’s mission to create long-term employment and skills development for women in sport.”
Naidoo also thanked Momentum and other key partners who have supported gsport over the years, helping to make a tangible financial impact on women in sport. “Thanks to our partners, we’ve been able to put hundreds of thousands of rands into the pockets of women in sport,” she said. “Through these partnerships, we’ve created real opportunities that not only elevate the profiles of female athletes but also contribute directly to their financial well-being.”
Looking ahead, Naidoo reaffirmed gsport’s commitment to empowering young women and creating more employment opportunities. “Our work is far from over. We are determined to continue building a platform that equips the next generation with the skills, experience, and support they need to thrive in the world of sport.”
As gsport continues to grow, its focus remains on empowering women and young people to lead, succeed, and drive change within the sports industry and beyond.
Main Photo Caption: Speaking at the Laureus Aspire17 Youth Summit, gsport Founder Kass Naidoo emphasised the importance of empowering youth and creating employment opportunities. Kass stands for a photo with Laureus Sport for Good South Africa Ambassadors (from left) Dumi Chauke, Deshun Deysel. Natalie du Toit and Motshidisi Mohono, and Panel MC, Dan Nichol. Photo: gsport / Valencia Seshoene
Photo 2 Caption: Kass Naidoo, mountaineer Deshun Deysel and Laureus Sport for Good Foundation SA CEO, Marlene Coetzee-George. Photo: gsport / Valencia Seshoene
Photo 3 Caption: Naidoo shares a laugh with two-time Woman in Television winner and co-panelist, SuperSport sportscaster Motshidisi Mohono. Photo: gsport / Valencia Seshoene
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