Tag: SayPro

By SayPro Chief Human Capital Officer- Ms. Sinentlantal Mabusela

Honourable Guests, Esteemed Partners, SayPro Team Members, and Change-Makers Around the World,

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

On behalf of SayPro and as your Chief Human Capital Officer, it is both a privilege and a profound honour to stand before you today as we commemorate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

This is not just another day on the calendar.

Today, we unite under a global banner to recognize sport as a universal language – one that transcends borders, speaks to all ages, overcomes cultural divides, and most importantly, has the power to drive development and build peace.

🕊️ Sport: A Catalyst for Change

From the dusty soccer fields in townships to the running tracks of global stadiums, sport has proven to be more than just a game. It is:

• A classroom of discipline and resilience.
• A stage for inclusion and empowerment.
• A field of hope, peace, and transformation.

At SayPro, we believe in people. We believe in unlocking human potential through capacity building, community empowerment, and innovative programmes – and we know that sport is one of our most powerful tools in this mission.

Whether it’s through structured sports initiatives for youth, inclusive play programmes for persons with disabilities, or leadership training through team games, we see sport not just as recreation, but as a platform to teach life skills, promote mental well-being, and build peaceful societies.

🌍 Our Human Capital, Our Future

In my role as Chief Human Capital Officer, I am reminded every day that development is not just about systems, infrastructure, or budgets. It’s about people. It’s about investing in human capital so individuals can flourish, communities can thrive, and nations can prosper.

Sport teaches what no textbook can fully explain:
Teamwork. Perseverance. Fair play. Conflict resolution. Confidence. These are the soft skills of tomorrow’s leaders.

And these are the qualities we are cultivating in every SayPro programme – in every corner of South Africa, across Africa, and globally.

💪🏾 Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Peace

We stand committed to ensuring that sport is accessible to all, especially the marginalized – girls, refugees, children in conflict zones, those living with disabilities, and the youth facing the harsh realities of poverty.

Sport is not a luxury. It is a right.
And at SayPro, it is also a strategy for sustainable development.

We are proud to work with schools, NGOs, governments, and corporate partners to embed sport in our training, wellness, education, and peacebuilding initiatives.

🔔 A Call to Action

Let us not wait for conflict to remind us of the value of peace.
Let us not wait for isolation to appreciate unity.

Let us, today, commit ourselves to building stronger, safer, and more resilient communities through sport.

To our young leaders: Your voice matters. Your play matters. Keep showing up on the field and off.
To our partners: Keep investing in programmes that use sport to inspire.
And to all of you: Let’s continue to run this race together – toward a world of justice, equality, and peace.

🌟 In Closing

As Nelson Mandela once said, “Sport has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”

So let’s be inspired. Let’s be united. Let’s continue to develop people, empower futures, and build peace – one game, one goal, one generation at a time.

Thank you.
Peace and progress to all.

Delivered by SayPro Chancellor Officer – Jeffery Montapina

Date: April 6, 2025

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today we celebrate sport not just as a game, but as a global language. One that needs no translation. One that speaks to every child who dreams, every youth who fights to overcome, and every community that strives for peace.

In the work we do at SayPro—through our training programs, youth initiatives, partnerships, and community interventions—we’ve seen firsthand how a simple ball, a court, or a field can ignite a spark of purpose in someone’s life.

We’ve supported programs that use sport to heal trauma, integrate refugees, teach leadership, and reduce violence. And we will continue to expand those programs across South Africa, Africa, and the world.

But we cannot do it alone.

So today, we call on governments, civil society, sports institutions, schools, and the private sector to come together—invest in sport, support youth, and embed peace into every play.

Let’s envision a world where every girl can run without fear.
Where every child has access to the joy of sport.
Where sport is not a privilege—but a right.

This year, under our 2025 theme “Play for Peace, Run for Change”, we recommit to using sport as a catalyst for sustainable development, inclusion, and peace.

Let us go forward, not just in motion, but in purpose. Together.

Thank you.
Ke a leboga. Siyabonga. Merci. Gracias. Thank you.

By SayPro Chief Operations Officer- Clifford Legodi

Date: April 6, 2025

Good morning, distinguished guests, colleagues, partners, athletes, and young champions of peace and development.

It is both a privilege and an honour to stand before you today on this important occasion—the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

On behalf of SayPro—the South African Youth Project—I wish to extend warm greetings and heartfelt gratitude to everyone who continues to believe in the transformative power of sport. To our global partners, community leaders, educators, and especially the young people driving change: thank you.

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Sport as a Universal Language

Sport has the rare power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs. It speaks a universal language that fosters teamwork, discipline, fair play, and most importantly, hope.

In communities where opportunity is scarce, sport provides structure. Where conflict persists, it provides peace. And where inequality threatens to take root, it levels the playing field.

Today, we celebrate sport not just as a game—but as a catalyst for social inclusion, gender equality, education, and economic empowerment.

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SayPro’s Commitment to Sport and Development

At SayPro, we see sport not only as recreation but as a strategic pillar of youth development. Through our programmes, we have seen young women and men from disadvantaged communities rise above their circumstances. They have built leadership skills on the field—and carried them confidently into boardrooms, businesses, and their communities.

In 2025, SayPro will expand our reach in rural and urban communities alike, by:

• Launching sport-integrated life skills training in 20 new areas across South Africa and beyond.
• Partnering with local sports clubs and federations to train young coaches and mentors.
• Supporting girls’ access to sport as a tool to fight child marriage, early pregnancy, and dropout rates.
• Using sports events as platforms for peace-building and conflict resolution workshops.

We believe that every child has the right to play, to dream, and to thrive.

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A Call to Action

But our work is not done.

I call upon government departments, private companies, international bodies, and local communities to invest in sports as a vehicle for sustainable development. Let us ensure that no child is left on the sidelines due to poverty, gender, or disability.

Let us create inclusive and safe spaces where young people can express themselves, learn resilience, and build a future.

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Closing Thoughts

As Nelson Mandela once said, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”

Today, let us walk away with that spirit in our hearts.

Together, through sport, we can build not only stronger individuals, but also stronger communities, stronger nations, and a more peaceful world.

Thank you—and may the spirit of sport continue to guide our efforts toward justice, peace, and prosperity for all.

Happy International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

#Sport4Development #SayPro2025 #CliffordLegodi #YouthEmpowerment

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.