by SayPro Chief Legal Officer- Neftaly Malatjie
6 April 2025
Good morning, distinguished guests, fellow leaders, community champions, and vibrant young people,
It is an honour and a responsibility to address you today on this globally recognized occasion—the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
As the Chief Legal Officer of SayPro, I stand here not just as a legal practitioner, but as a guardian of rights, fairness, and justice—values that are deeply embedded in the spirit of sport and the mission of SayPro.
Sport, Rights, and Justice
Sport is not only about winning or competition. At its heart, sport represents fair play, equality, access, and dignity. These are not only sporting principles—they are legal principles, and human rights.
When a young girl from a rural village is denied the right to play because of her gender, that’s not just unfair—it’s a violation of her rights.
When a disabled boy cannot access a field because it lacks inclusive design, that’s not just unfortunate—it’s a barrier we must dismantle.
When sports spaces are not safe from violence, bullying, or exploitation—we have failed our children.
At SayPro, we are committed to ensuring that every person—regardless of gender, race, ability, or background—has the legal and practical right to participate in sport safely, freely, and with dignity.
Protecting Youth Through Policy and Practice
This year, through our SayPro Sport & Development Framework, we have:
- Introduced child protection policies in all community sport programmes
- Provided legal literacy workshops for coaches and young athletes
- Advocated for the right to sport access to be included in local development plans across multiple regions
- Partnered with communities to strengthen anti-discrimination and anti-harassment protections on and off the field
Legal systems may seem distant to some, but they must be accessible. They must be a shield for the vulnerable and a platform for empowerment.
Sport as a Tool for Peaceful and Just Societies
When rules are respected, when fairness is enforced, and when justice is visible—we create safe and inclusive environments. This is true in the courtroom, and it is true on the field.
Sport teaches us the value of clear rules, mutual respect, and peaceful resolution of conflict—all foundational to building just societies.
Our young people are not just players. They are future leaders, citizens, and advocates. Through sport, we teach them not only to follow the rules—but to know their rights, to speak up, and to stand up for themselves and for others.
A Legal Call to Action
To our policymakers:
Enshrine the right to sport and recreation in national and local laws.
To programme implementers and NGOs:
Embed safeguarding, inclusion, and accountability frameworks in every initiative.
To legal professionals:
Use your voice to ensure youth sport programmes are fair, protective, and empowering.
And to our youth:
Know this—you have the right to play, the right to be safe, and the right to be heard. We are here to protect those rights with you and for you.
In Closing
At SayPro, we believe that sport can be a legal bridge to justice, a stage for fairness, and a field for peace.
We remain committed to ensuring that every sport-based development effort is backed by legal integrity, protected by strong frameworks, and rooted in the rights of every human being.
Let us all commit to playing by the rules that matter most—those of humanity, justice, and peace.
Ke a leboha. Ngiyabonga. Dankie. Thank you once again.
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