Following the successful conclusion of the Telkom Netball League season, Telkom’s continued efforts in developing South African Netball at grassroots level continue to unfold.
Through its Stand Tall: From First Pass to Crown campaign, Telkom paid a visit to Tiisetsang High School in Bethlehem for a full day’s Netball Clinic spearheaded by Former SPAR Proteas Captain, Bongi Msomi.
The clinic formed part of Telkom’s continued investment in grassroots sport and provided young players with an opportunity to sharpen their skills, interact with role models and gain first-hand exposure to pathways that could one day take them to higher levels of the game.
With talent highly in abundance at the Tiisetsang High School, educators say the challenge often lies in ensuring that young people are given the support and opportunities needed to realize their potential.
Netball coach and educator Nthabeleng Keele has already seen encouraging signs among the learners she works with and believes there is no shortage of ability.
“The talent is there,” said Keele. “When you watch them play, you can see their technique and willingness to learn. They have the potential to go far. What they need is exposure and opportunities.”
Keele said the visit gave learners a chance to see what is possible through sport while also building confidence and reinforcing the importance of discipline and teamwork.
The impact of the Telkom Foundation’s work at Tiisetsang High School is not limited to sport.
The school is one of four selected for the Foundation’s three-year Coding and Robotics Programme, an initiative aimed at equipping learners from underserved communities with digital and problem-solving skills that will prepare them for the future.
Learners Mofokeng Keketso and Mthabela Lethukuthula continue to benefit from the programme and are currently using the knowledge they acquired to develop digital projects that can support their school.
“We learned coding languages like Python, how to build websites and how important teamwork is,” said Keketso. “Even today, we are still using those skills and developing projects that can help our school.”
Their experiences reflect the importance of creating opportunities that extend beyond the sporting arena.
Speaking during the clinic, Telkom Free State Area Manager Refilwe Setloboko said initiatives that bring sport and education together remain important in communities where access to opportunities is often limited.
“Not every child has access to the same opportunities. That is why it is important for organisations like Telkom to invest in disadvantaged communities. There is incredible talent here, and our role is to help nurture and support it”, said Setloboko.
Through investments in grassroots sport and digital education, the Telkom Foundation continues to create platforms that allow young people to pursue their ambitions and equip themselves with skills that will serve them well beyond their school years.
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