The Sports Trust completes this mandate by providing sporting equipment, kit and building facilities for previously disadvantaged South Africans so that they gain access and the opportunity to participate in sport, in particular focusing on disadvantaged schools.

Our Journey

Enhancing Education Through Sport

The Key Focus of the Trust

is to act as an implementation partner acting on behalf of all its Stakeholders, donors and partners, ensuring due diligence and the effective delivery of sustainable development projects within South Africa’s disadvantaged communities.

About Us

Multipurpose Sport Courts

The Sports Trust enables the installation and building of these state-of-the-art facilities, which offer 5 codes of sport on 1 court, namely:

5 a side soccer (Futsal), netball, basketball, volley ball and tennis.

The benefits of this court include:

The surface offers supreme resilience and shock absorption
Lateral forgiveness on the joints of the players
Traction as an all-weather outdoor suspended modular sports floor system
Maintenance Free
Eco Friendly with Zero Waste
20-year life span with 15-year warranty

Transfer of ownership and responsibility 100% to the local community

These facilities provide the perfect sustainable solution to promote healthy lifestyles and also assist in the increased performance of students in the classroom.

Development Cycling

This sustainable cycling development programme has been managed by The Sports Trust since 2005, in partnership with Nedbank.

It is also supported by other stakeholders and is endorsed by Cycling South Africa and Western Province Cycling.

Western Cape areas include: Cape Metro, West Coast & Boland

Overall Objectives

To provide bikes, kit, helmets and equipment
To teach cycling skills, road safety, maintenance of bikes
Attracts both male and female learners in to this programme, for talent nurturing and mentoring programmes
To provide access for cyclists to compete in various events (road and MTB)
Assists with talent identification and provide learners with assistance to enter School & Provincial competitions
To entrench life skill values such as discipline, morals, etiquette, nutritional, financial and general well being

Sporting Kit and Equipment

The Trust is able to provide these items for all sporting codes, and incorporating the client’s logo Into these kits for additional brand awareness. They are made up according to the school and club’s colours including their logos. The sports bags also have the logos includes as well as any training equipment items bags. The Trust will work together with the client and supplier to ensure best outcomes as required.

It is essential for schools and clubs to have branded sports kit which helps to promote and foster togetherness, unity and team spirit.

Each sport requires the correct training and sporting equipment, and the Trust can also provide this based on the sport and requirements needed. This equipment is either used as protective gear, to prevent injury or as a tool to help the athletes play the sport, and also to train efficiently and effectively to improve their overall skills.

Being able to represent the school or club in the correct kit brings about a sense of pride in the sportsmen and Women who are competing against each other.

Having the right tools to perform at one’s best can help to increase confidence, supports skills development and encourage overall improvement in performance.

OUR PROJECTS

National Activity Footprint
1994 - 2024

Sport Courts Installed

129

These state-of-the-art sport facilities have been well received by the beneficiary schools, who use it to play 5 a side soccer, netball, Basketball, volleyball and tennis, thereby having 5 sports on 1 court.

This facility is eco-friendly and the court itself provides lateral forgiveness on the joints, is easily maintained and can be used 365 days of the year, having a life span of 20 years.

Sporting Kit and Equipment Donated

452

The sports kit and training equipment is essential to the beneficiaries, as the sports kit identifies the teams and promotes their school and club brands. The training equipment is assists the coaches and provides a variety of exercises to benefit the team’s skills.

Other Infrastructure

95

This relates to building and/or renovating sport facilities as required by the donors, ensuring that the beneficiaries have proper infrastructure to use and access to a safe sports environment.

Other Sports Activities

36

This includes mass participation school sports event and other sporting activities.

OUR TRUSTEES

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

"Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sports can create hope, where there was once only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination."

Multipurpose Sport Courts funded by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) for the period leading up to the 2023 Netball World Cup focussed on the construction of netball courts. This was in support of “women in sport” and double sport courts were implemented by The Sports Trust on behalf of DSAC.

One of the sport courts is “solely” earmarked for netball, whilst the second court for the other sports programmes.

Schools are identified by DSAC in consultation with Netball South Africa and placed in areas where there is a need for netball courts. These installations formed part of the 2023 Netball World Cup Legacy programme, and a total of eleven (11) facilities were installed in the various provinces of; Free State, Gauteng, Kwa Zulu Natal, North West Cape and Western Cape.

On 5th September 2023, in Soweto, Pitso Mosimane inaugurated the Pitso Mosimane Multipurpose Sport Court at Lofentse Girls High School in Orlando East, which was conducted on behalf of the Nedbank Cp 2022/2023 season winners, Orlando Pirates FC, who chose this girls’ school to receive this world class facility.

This groundbreaking project was made possible thanks to funding from Nedbank and The Sports Trust’s Soccer Development Programme, as this partnership embodies a joint commitment to sport development, talent identification and community empowerment in South Africa.

Nedbank’s unwavering support has been a catalyst for transformative change, and this state-of-the-art facility, will nurture various sport disciplines and provide a safe space for the community to play sport, and create a sporting hub in this area.

Nedbank partnership with Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools and The Sports Trust

Swimming South Africa
FINA Development Centre

Funds received by The Sports Trust, from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), supported Swimming South Africa, and a contribution was made towards the construction of the FINA Development Centre Franschoek Aquatic Centre.

Rural and Township Rugby clubs based in the regions of Boland, South Western Districts, Border and Western Province, received Medical Safety Equipment from grant funding accessed from The National Lotteries Commission (NLC), which was implemented by The Sports Trust by supplying them with trauma boards, and other medical safety equipment.

The coaches and managers were also trained by qualified Physiotherapists and Doctors on how to correctly use the equipment and medical items, such as the bandages, trauma board, etc. in order that they can continue to keep their players safe both on and off the field.There was also emphasis on supporting women’s rugby through this initiative in terms of skills development and transformation in rugby.Player safety is essential to the game of rugby and this initiative was well received and supported by these rural and township rugby clubs.

Education & Skills Transfer Programmes

Rural & Township Rugby Clubs receives Medical Safety Equipment

Nedbank Sports Trust Development Cycling Programme

In this past year, the Nedbank Sports Trust Development cycling programme has focussed on supporting the U13 to U17 age-groups, in order to encourage more learners to participate in the programme, which had been negatively affected by Covid 19. Schools had received indoor bike trainers in order that the learners could train in a safe, indoor area and still maintain their fitness levels.

The learners were given opportunities to compete in various School League and Criterium races throughout the year, as well as attending the Youth Festival in Oudtshoorn and the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

Piketberg MTB Challenge

The Piketberg MTB Challenge took place in December 2022 and provided cyclists with a unique opportunity to cycle around the Org De Rac Organic Wine Farm. Distances included 60km, 40km and 20km. The event was open to the development cyclists and the general cycling community who enjoyed a fun day out, as well as a local market that was hosted at the wine farm.

Letshegu Zulu participated again this year and thoroughly enjoyed the MTB Challenge. The local Municipality donated funds for bikes, cycling attire and equipment in support of the local Piketberg development cyclists.

Premier Social Cohesion Games - David Kekana Memorial

This year’s 4th edition of the Gauteng Premier Social Cohesion Games, in association with the HIP Alliance (Hellenic, Italian and Portuguese Alliance), took place and promoted social cohesion, nation building and mobilised residents and communities against racism and xenophobia. Over 4500 participants took part, and played soccer, netball, chess, cricket and rugby.

The Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura, played soccer with sporting legends such as “Shakes’ Mashaba, Lucky, and Gcina Bobo, who took on the winning soccer team.

This year a special Floating Trophy was launched, in memory of the late, David Kekana, so that his legacy could live on. #GrowingGautengTogether

South African Schools Sports Programme under the auspices of the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)

The National Schools Sports Programme is the foundation for sport development in South Africa. The primary aim of the school sport programme is to ensure that each and every one of the South African schools, primary and high schools, are afforded an opportunity to participate in at least one sporting code. The Schools Sport Programme compromises of athletics, winter and summer games, to name a few.

Athletics: National High Schools – Track and Field Championships

The Schools Athletics Championships was hosted at Germiston Stadium, and is the “Premier” event, on the South African School’s Calendar.

This year’s categories included Junior U/20, Youth U/18, Sub Youth U/16, Primary Youth, and Learners with special educational needs (Deaf and Mild Intellectual Disability). They participated in Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Pole Vault, Shot put, Discus, Javelin, Hammer. Runners competed in distances of 100m to 3000m, relays and hurdles.

It was hosted by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture together with the Department of Basic Education, and forms part of the talent identification for National teams.

National Winter School Sport Championships

The National Winter School Sport Championships took place in Benoni and sports played included Kho Kho, Jukskei, Soccer, Hockey, Tennis and Rugby.

The winning schools of the Under 15 soccer tournament, Kwa Zulu Natal ladies’ team, and Gauteng boys’ team, attended the CAF Africa School Championship Cup that took place in October 2022.

Heritage Day and Indigenous Games hosted by the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the UGU Municipality

The National Indigenous Games Festival took place from 24 to 28 September 2022, celebrating Heritage month, in KwaZulu-Natal at the Ugu Sports Complex in Margate. The games were held under theme of “Celebrating the Legacy of Solomon Linda and South Africa’s Indigenous Music”.

This festival is hosted by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in collaboration with KwaZulu Natal departments, and games played included - NCUVA, MORABARABA, DIKETO, INTONGA, KHO-KHO, DRIE STOKKIES, KGATI, DIBEKA AND JUKSKEI.

The Indigenous Games Festival campaign aims to promote social cohesion and nation building and celebrate the country's rich history, heritage and culture. The overall winners were Kwa Zulu Natal, who remained undefeated.

National School Sport Championships - Summer Games

The final leg of the School Sport Events being the National School Sport Championships took place in Pretoria, Gauteng at various venues.

The event kickstarted on 09 December 2023 and concluded on 14 December 2023

This five (5) day spectacular ensured participation of learners from all nine South African Provinces in Kgati, Gymnastics, Basketball, Wheelchair Basketball, Goalball, Gymnastics, Rugby, Cricket, Softball and Morabaraba.

Nedbank Soccer Kits Programme

Nedbank provided 59 soccer kits and 44 training kits to schools around the country in 2022 as part of their CSI initiative linked to the Nedbank Cup. This initiative started in 2010, when South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup, and to date, a total of over 1000 soccer kits and training kits have been distributed to schools in all 9 provinces in South Africa.

Soshanguve South Secondary School, who were the beneficiaries of the 2022 multipurpose sport court received kit, and were also showcased at the first #Supportwhatmatters event that was hosted at Nedbank head office. Their school was the first to receive the brand-new upgraded Nedbank Cup logo soccer kit, with their coach David Mollik.

Nedbank
#SupportWhatMatters

The Nedbank Affinity program started in 1990, and the Nedbank Sport Affinity programme, has raised a significant amount towards sport development. The Sports Trust has implemented various sports facilities, managed programmes and provided sporting kit and equipment from funds received. This initiative is at “no cost” to the Nedbank clients, who choose the “Sport Affinity” when opening up an account or investing in one of Nedbank’s products. Nedbank hosted an event whereby each of their four affinities were celebrated and showcased the beneficiaries who are supported through these various programmes.

The Sports Trust Golf Challenge

This is one of the major fundraising events of The Sports Trust, and is hosted by Sun International and Nedbank, founding Trustees of The Sports Trust. It provides amateur golfers with a unique opportunity to play the Gary Player Golf Course the way it was set out, on the final day of the Nedbank Golf Challenge. Max Homa won the 2023 Nedbank Golf Challenge, and the event also celebrated its 41st year.

The Sports Trust Golf Challenge 2023, was won by the BKMS team, and the prize giving event was attended by the legendary, Gary Player and Sally Little. This event helps to raise funds for sport development at grass root level for previously disadvantaged schools and communities.

Nedbank International Polo #NEWNOBILITY

Shines the light on sport as a catalyst for empowerment and change in South African communities

The Nedbank International Polo, which is one of South Africa’s most prestigious equestrian fixtures, celebrated people who are doing exceptional work to uplift communities in the field of sports, art, the environment and child well-breing. Nedbank redefined who we look up to as a society and crowned the new nobles – those that view themselves as noble, no longer by rank or title but as a virtue, thus redefining their role in society.

The Sports Trust representatives were Simanga Matholeni and David Mollik, who have both dedicated their time to uplifting their communities through sports and helping to continue to ‘Enhance Education Through Sport.’

The Nedbank Sports Affinity Programme helps bridge the gap and provides access to sport development programmes. Simanga explained that the interventions are mostly targeted at school children and the youth, contributing to social cohesion and responsible citizenship from an early age. Being part of New Nobility is being a philanthropist, who gives back to their communities through time and shared expertise in sport.

David Mollik, has over 20 years’ of teaching experience and is passionate about supporting his learners both academically and on the sports field, making him a prime example of what it means to be part of the New Nobility. Since his school received a world-class multipurpose sport court from the Nedbank Sports Affinity, he has used the opportunity to invest in the development of athletes from Soshanguve and surrounding communities.

Mollik is a formidable sports coach having mentored current Mamelodi Sundowns defender, Ofentse Mashiane and King Khumalo, a South African national gymnast. “In our district, our school has won the secondary school of the year twice in a row, and I personally won the sports administrator of the year award and also the coach of the year.”

Boland Cricket Indoor Facility

Rev. Courtney Sampson, Director of Cricket Boland and Jackie Mathebula, Chairperson of The Sports Trust, officially opened the indoor cricket facility at Boland Cricket in Paarl, on 3rd April 2022.

This facility was funded by SuperSport and Boland Cricket, and implemented by The Sports Trust, and will support women’s cricket as well as the amateurs and professionals who will train at this indoor venue throughout the year.