By Chief Finance Officer- Keamogetswe Toka
6 April 2025
Good morning, distinguished guests, colleagues, partners, and future leaders,
It is an honour to address you on this special day—the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. As the Finance Chief Officer of SayPro, I am proud to stand with each of you to recognise and reaffirm the incredible value of sport in shaping societies, building bridges, and creating a world where peace and opportunity go hand in hand.
At SayPro, our vision has always been bold but simple: to invest in people. And sport, I believe, is one of the smartest and most sustainable investments we can make in our youth, our communities, and our shared future.
The Economics of Empowerment
Too often, when we think about sport, we think only about trophies, titles, and televised games. But behind every goal, every match, and every training session lies something far more powerful—economic inclusion, skills development, and hope.
Through SayPro’s programmes, sport becomes a tool not only for physical well-being and peacebuilding—but also for economic growth. We fund and support initiatives that turn vacant fields into safe spaces, that create jobs for coaches and community leaders, and that provide young people with skills that last far beyond the game.
Let us be clear: peace is not possible without opportunity, and opportunity is not sustainable without investment. That is why SayPro’s financial strategy continues to prioritise sport-based development initiatives across Africa and beyond.
Return on Impact
When we invest in sport, we see results. Tangible, measurable, and meaningful results:
- Improved school attendance in youth who participate in after-school leagues.
- Reduced violence in communities where inclusive tournaments are held.
- Increased leadership roles for girls through sport mentorship programs.
This year alone, SayPro allocated resources that helped expand our Sport & Development Programme to 10 regions, reaching more than 25,000 young people. These are not just numbers—they are lives changed.
And for every dollar, rand, or kwacha we spend, we’re not just spending—we are investing in peace.
Sustainable Partnerships for a Peaceful Future
As a finance leader, I want to call on corporate South Africa, donors, development agencies, and local governments:
Support community-based sport programmes.
Invest in young people—not just as athletes, but as entrepreneurs, educators, and agents of change.
Together, we can build a financial ecosystem where sport is recognised not just as recreation—but as a foundation for peace, dignity, and economic upliftment.
In Closing
Sport is more than movement—it’s momentum. It moves people. It moves communities. And today, it moves us all towards a more peaceful, more inclusive, and more prosperous future.
As SayPro’s Finance Chief, I give you our commitment: We will continue to fund the future, support the dreams, and invest in peace through sport.
Let us not wait for peace to happen. Let us finance it, build it, and live it—together.
Thank you.
Ke a leboga. Ngiyabonga. Baie dankie. Thank you once again.
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