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by Chief Development Officer- Regaugetswe Netshiozwe

[Opening Salutations]

Distinguished guests, community leaders, partners, athletes, SayPro family, and fellow champions of peace and development:

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening—wherever you may be joining us from today.

On behalf of SayPro and as the Chief Development Officer, I am deeply honored to stand before you today, alongside so many passionate individuals who believe in the unifying power of sport. Today, we celebrate more than just games, medals, or records—we celebrate resilience, equality, unity, and peace.

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[The Meaning of the Day]

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is a powerful reminder that sport is not just a physical activity—it is a transformative force. It builds bridges between communities, fosters mutual respect, and drives social change.

It does not matter where you come from, your gender, your religion, or your economic background—when we step onto the field, we are equals. In sport, every whistle blown and every hand extended in sportsmanship echoes louder than words in the pursuit of peace.

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[SayPro’s Commitment to Sport and Development]

At SayPro, we have witnessed the extraordinary role sport plays in empowering youth, enhancing education, promoting health, and rebuilding lives.

From local soccer leagues in townships to international partnerships that provide athletic scholarships—SayPro has integrated sport into our mission to uplift communities, support leadership development, and create sustainable pathways to success.

We believe in sport as a tool for healing, a medium for inclusion, and a platform for voices too often unheard.

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[Empowering Youth Through Sport]

One of our most critical priorities is giving young people access—not just to sport, but to purpose.

Through our SayPro Youth Development Programmes, we work with schools, grassroots clubs, and NGOs to create safe spaces for children to play, dream, and grow. We’ve seen young girls from underserved areas gain confidence through netball. We’ve seen boys who once had no direction become coaches and mentors for the next generation.

In these moments, sport becomes a life-changer.

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[Sport for Peace in a Divided World]

In a world too often divided by conflict, sport teaches us to listen. It reminds us of our shared humanity. It proves that peace is not just possible—it is achievable, one team, one match, one handshake at a time.

This year, as wars rage and divisions deepen, let us remember that the values we practice on the field—respect, teamwork, integrity—must guide us off the field too.

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[A Call to Action]

So, today, I challenge each of you:

• Support a young athlete.
• Volunteer for a community sports programme.
• Use your voice to promote inclusion in sport.
• Let sport be your message for peace.

Let us not only celebrate sport today but invest in it—strategically, intentionally, and sustainably. Because every young person we reach with a ball, a baton, or a boxing glove could become the peacemaker, teacher, or leader of tomorrow.

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[Closing Remarks]

To every coach, player, partner, and advocate: thank you. Your work is making the world better, safer, and more united—one goal at a time.

And to SayPro’s incredible teams and collaborators around the world—thank you for your unwavering belief in the power of sport to change lives.

Together, let us continue to run the race for peace, leap the hurdles of inequality, and pass the baton of hope to future generations.

Thank you. Kea leboga. Dankie. Asante. Merci.

#Sport4Development #PeaceThroughSport #SayProForChange

By SayPro Chief Strategic Partnership Officer- Nancy Mdaka

Theme: “Harnessing the Power of Sport for Social Impact and Global Unity”

Good morning, distinguished guests, partners, colleagues, and champions of change.

It is with deep pride and heartfelt appreciation that I stand before you today as we celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2025 — a day that reminds us of sport’s extraordinary potential not just to entertain, but to educate, unite, and empower.

At SayPro, we believe sport is more than physical activity — it is a universal language. It transcends borders, defies differences, and builds bridges where walls once stood. Whether played on a dusty field in Soweto, a stadium in Paris, or a community center in Nairobi, sport has the power to bring people together — to ignite hope, promote inclusion, and drive sustainable development.

Today, we honor not only athletes and teams but also every young person who found purpose through sport, every community rebuilt through sporting programs, and every life changed because someone said, “Let’s play.”

As Chief Strategic Partnership Officer at SayPro, I have the privilege of witnessing how strategic collaboration transforms dreams into impact. Together with our international partners, NGOs, sports federations, and local leaders, we have embedded sport into our education, health, youth development, and peacebuilding initiatives. And the results speak volumes:

• Young girls who once faced cultural and systemic barriers now lead on the soccer pitch and in the classroom.
• Refugees and migrants, once isolated, are now teammates, friends, and leaders.
• Formerly violent communities are becoming safer through organized sport-based conflict resolution programs.

These stories are not just victories on the field — they are victories of the human spirit.

This year’s theme challenges us to go further — to make sport a cornerstone of peace, resilience, and development. And that means:

1. Investing in inclusive sports infrastructure that welcomes every race, gender, ability, and identity.
2. Strengthening partnerships that amplify our collective power to reach the furthest behind.
3. Empowering youth, especially girls and marginalized groups, to lead, coach, and shape the sporting world.
4. Embedding sport into public policy and development frameworks, so it’s not a side project — it’s a core strategy.

At SayPro, we are committing in 2025 to expand our Sport for Development Fellowship Program, build more cross-border Peace Games Initiatives, and integrate sports-based learning in rural and under-resourced schools. We know that real change happens not only in stadiums, but in the quiet corners of the world where opportunity once seemed out of reach.

Let us remember that peace is not the absence of conflict — it is the presence of justice, equity, and shared opportunity. Sport gives us the tools to build that peace. And we — as a global community — have the duty to use them.

In closing, I invite each of you to keep playing, keep partnering, and keep believing in the power of sport to change lives. Because every whistle blown, every ball passed, and every race run in unity moves us closer to the world we want to build — a world of peace, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Thank you. Let’s keep moving forward — together.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

By SayPro Chief Learning & Monitoring Officer -Tsakani Rikhotso

6 April 2025

Good morning, esteemed guests, community leaders, colleagues, and most importantly—our youth,

It is both an honour and a deep responsibility to address you today on the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace—a day that celebrates more than games; it celebrates growth, resilience, and measurable progress.

As the Chief Learning and Monitoring Officer at SayPro, my role focuses on asking critical questions: What are we learning? Are we truly making an impact? Are we holding ourselves accountable for the promises we make through sport?

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Why Monitoring Matters

At SayPro, sport is more than a physical activity—it is a strategy. But like any powerful tool, it must be measured, improved, and constantly adapted. That is where learning and monitoring come in.

In 2025, our SayPro Sport & Development Program engaged over 25,000 young people across 10 regions. But what’s more important than the number is what we learned:

• That community-led sports programmes are more sustainable.
• That youth thrive when sport is linked with life skills and mentorship.
• And that peace-building is most effective when tracked, documented, and shared.

We are not just running activities. We are tracking transformation.

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Learning Through Sport

Every football match, every netball game, every training session is an opportunity to observe, reflect, and grow. Through our internal systems, SayPro collects stories, feedback, and data from the field—directly from our youth, coaches, and communities.

This helps us answer key questions:

• Are girls participating equally?
• Are rural areas receiving enough support?
• Are we reaching those most affected by conflict or poverty?

Learning is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing journey. And we are committed to learning with humility, listening with intention, and improving with evidence.

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Accountability for Peace

Sport without accountability is just play. But when monitored and evaluated, it becomes a catalyst for real change.

That’s why SayPro is investing in tools like:

• Mobile-based feedback systems
• Real-time dashboards for programme outcomes
• And community scorecards where young people rate their own experiences

This isn’t just monitoring—it’s empowerment.

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A Call to Action

To our fellow development partners:
Let’s integrate learning and monitoring into everything we do. Let’s make impact not just visible—but verifiable.

To governments and funders:
Support data-driven sport programmes that learn as they grow, and adapt as they serve.

And to our youth:
You are not just participants. You are leaders, evaluators, and storytellers. Your experiences matter. Your feedback drives our future.

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In Closing

At SayPro, we don’t play for applause—we play for impact.
We don’t run programmes for numbers—we run them for change.
And we don’t celebrate progress only when it’s easy—we measure it, even when it’s hard.

Because true peace, like sport, is built step by step, pass by pass, voice by voice.

Thank you for believing in this mission.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Together, let’s continue to learn, grow, and play—for a better world.

Ke a leboha. Ngiyabonga. Dankie. Thank you once again.

by SayPro Chief Technology Officer- Moses Mnisi

6 April 2025

Good morning, distinguished guests, colleagues, community leaders, and our dynamic youth,

It is a privilege to stand before you on this globally significant day—the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

As SayPro’s Chief Technology Officer, my world often revolves around code, platforms, and systems. But today, I speak from a space that transcends technology—I speak about how innovation and sport together can unlock new pathways to peace, inclusion, and empowerment.

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The Intersection of Sport and Technology

Sport is not just played on fields anymore—it is broadcast, streamed, tracked, and shared across the digital world. And just like sport, technology is a language that unites people. Whether you’re in the heart of Johannesburg or a village in Lesotho, a smartphone can connect you to the global conversation, to coaching tutorials, to mentorship networks, and to inspiration.

At SayPro, we are leveraging technology to make sport more accessible, more inclusive, and more impactful.

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Tech for Transformation

This year, SayPro has expanded our Digital Sport & Development Hub—a platform that provides youth and coaches across 10 regions with free access to:

• Online coaching materials
• Digital leadership and peace-building modules
• Real-time performance tracking for young athletes
• Safe online communities where they can connect, learn, and grow

Over 25,000 young people have benefited from these digital tools in 2025 alone. This isn’t just about access—it’s about equity. It’s about ensuring that no matter where you are or who you are, you can play, lead, and develop.

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Innovation for Inclusion and Peace

Technology is also helping us measure the real impact of sport. We use data dashboards, mobile reporting tools, and AI-driven insights to better understand what works—and where we can do better.

But more than that, tech gives youth a voice. It lets them share their stories, celebrate their achievements, and challenge injustice. A young girl sharing her netball victory on social media becomes a role model. A coach posting conflict resolution training online becomes a peace ambassador.

This is how we digitally amplify the power of sport.

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A Call to Action

To our partners in the tech industry:
Let us build more platforms, apps, and tools that empower youth through sport.

To governments and NGOs:
Support digital infrastructure in under-resourced communities so every child can participate fully.

And to our youth:
Use technology to tell your story. Use sport to shape your future. Together, these tools can drive peace where policy cannot.

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In Closing

As SayPro, we believe that the future of sport lies not just in stadiums, but in systems. Not just in teams, but in technology. And not just in tradition, but in transformation.

We remain committed to building digital bridges that connect sport to opportunity, to inclusion, and to lasting peace.

Let us continue to innovate for impact.
Let us code for change.
Let us play for peace.

Thank you.
Ke a leboha. Ngiyabonga. Dankie. Thank you once again.

By SayPro Chief Research Officer- Patricia Tsebe

6 April 2025

Good morning, colleagues, partners, young leaders, and friends,

I am honoured to speak to you today on the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace—a day that not only celebrates physical activity, but reminds us that sport can be a catalyst for data-driven development, peace, and measurable change.

As SayPro’s Chief Research Officer, my role is to ensure that behind every programme, every policy, and every community initiative, there is evidence—evidence that sport works, and evidence that peace is possible.

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Why Evidence Matters

At SayPro, we don’t just believe in the power of sport—we measure it. We study how sport impacts school retention, gender equality, mental health, social cohesion, and even economic mobility.

Our data shows us that a young girl in a sports mentorship programme is three times more likely to stay in school. That young boys who participate in team sports are significantly less likely to engage in violence or substance abuse. And that communities with inclusive sports initiatives report higher levels of trust and cooperation.

These are not just stories. These are statistics. These are indicators of real social transformation.

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Research for Peace and Inclusion

Sport helps us break silos—not just between people, but across sectors. It connects education to health, community development to safety, and recreation to economic empowerment.

Through SayPro’s Research & Learning Division, we’ve launched multiple studies across 10 regions, monitoring the effects of our Sport & Development Programme. With over 25,000 youth reached in 2025, we are proud to say that sport is proving to be one of the most cost-effective and scalable tools for positive change.

But our work is far from over. There is still much to learn—about access, sustainability, and inclusion, especially for girls, persons with disabilities, and rural youth. And it is only through honest evaluation and collaboration that we will continue to improve.

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A Call to Action for Evidence-Based Investment

To our government partners, funders, and educators:
Let us build policies rooted in research, not rhetoric.
Let us fund initiatives that are proven to work, that deliver long-term benefits for peace and progress.

And to our young people:
You are not just players—you are part of a movement. Every pass, every jump, every goal is data in motion—a powerful act that contributes to our understanding of what builds peace.

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In Closing

At SayPro, we say this with confidence:
Sport is not just a game. It is a development strategy. A peacebuilding mechanism. And a research opportunity that has the power to shape nations.

As Chief Research Officer, I pledge that SayPro will continue to build knowledge, generate impact data, and share insights to inform global best practices—because a peaceful future must be designed with intention and driven by evidence.

Thank you for being part of this day, this movement, and this mission.

Ke a leboha. Ngiyabonga. Dankie. Thank you once again.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

By SayPro Chief Marketing Officer- Puluko Nkiwani

6 April 2025

Good morning, everyone,

It is a profound honour to stand before you on this globally significant day—the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

On behalf of SayPro—the SayPro Group of Companies—I extend our deepest gratitude to every partner, athlete, supporter, community leader, and young person joining us here today, and to the millions worldwide marking this occasion in the spirit of unity, inclusion, and empowerment.

At SayPro, our mission has always been clear: to unlock human potential and drive social transformation through practical, scalable solutions. And sport, dear friends, remains one of the most powerful tools we have to achieve this.

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Sport: More Than a Game

Sport transcends language, culture, and borders. It teaches us to collaborate. It instills discipline, builds resilience, and nurtures respect. It empowers the marginalised and gives hope to the voiceless.

Whether it’s a child kicking a ball in Soweto or a youth sprinting across fields in rural Namibia—sport levels the playing field and brings people together in ways few other forces can.

Across the communities we serve, we’ve witnessed how a simple tournament can unite rival groups. How a netball game can spark dialogue where politics fall silent. And how a local coach can inspire hope that ripples through entire generations.

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Peace Through Participation

Peace is not a passive state. Peace is something we build.

Through sport, we promote inclusion, nurture dialogue, and reduce violence. We equip our young people to compete with fairness, resolve conflict with dignity, and recognise that every person is worthy of respect.

This year alone, our SayPro Sport & Development Programme has engaged over 25,000 youth across 10 regions. Together with schools, NGOs, and community leaders, we are using sport not just for play, but as a vehicle for peacebuilding and empowerment.

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A Call to Action

Let this day not be just a celebration—let it be a call to action.

• To every business leader—invest in community sport.
• To every policymaker—protect and fund initiatives that use sport to build peace.
• To every educator, parent, and mentor—instil teamwork, inclusion, and fairness in all you teach.

And to our youth—lead both on and off the field. Show the world that sport can build a future that is more inclusive, more peaceful, and more just.

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In Closing

At SayPro, we reaffirm our commitment to this journey—not just today, but every day. In every township, on every pitch, and in every young heart that believes in the power of sport to change the world.

Together, let’s make sport a universal language of peace, hope, and unity.

Thank you.
Ke a leboha. Ngiyabonga. Dankie. Thank you once again.