More than 300 youngsters participated in a vibrant sports festival at Van Der Kemp Primary School in the northern areas of Gqeberha recently, offering a welcome change of environment from classroom routine whilst promoting physical activity and cultural heritage.
The event, held on May 9, was spearheaded by a dedicated teacher, Tuskeen Salie, with crucial support from Khulasande Sport Development and The Benedicta Foundation. Children aged 7 to 9 enthusiastically engaged in a diverse programme of sporting activities designed to build confidence and foster inclusion.
Learners rotated through ten different activity stations, including both conventional sports and traditional African games such as Diketo and Igusha. These indigenous activities served the dual purpose of encouraging physical exercise whilst celebrating and preserving South Africa’s rich cultural traditions. “We believe sport is more than just play – it’s a vehicle for transformation, education, and hope,” said a spokesperson from Khulasande in a statement. Khulasande is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sport in under-resourced communities. “When we received the call from Tuskeen, we immediately recognised the value of such an initiative.”
The Benedicta Foundation, whose mission centres on equipping minority communities with skills and opportunities to thrive, played a pivotal role in implementing the festival. Their involvement brought additional depth to the event, reinforcing a shared vision of empowering children to believe in their potential regardless of socioeconomic background.
This sports day marked the official launch of the “Victory Games”, The Benedicta Foundation’s first community sports initiative programme, developed in collaboration with SPAR Hunters Retreat and Khulasande Sport Development team. Beyond the immediate enjoyment, organisers emphasised the festival’s broader aims: providing equitable access to sport, promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening community cohesion, and instilling values of respect and cultural pride.
Earlier this year, Salie, through the help of the Benedicta Foundation and the Kaiden Titus Foundation, organised essential items for the learners of the school. The Benedicta Foundation, started by Thaspen Huhner who has since relocated to Abu Dhabi, is a Gqeberha-based organisation run by Huhner’s cousins, Octavia, Linshay, Caryn Arkeldien, and friend, Jaline Young. “For us, it’s about helping as many people who are in need as possible.
That’s it. Whether it’s through giving essential items, skills development training, trauma therapy, or cooking lessons, we go where we’re needed,” Octavia said at the time. Kaiden Titus is studying towards an education qualification, previously told the PE Express he hopes the learners stay in school, no matter what the circumstances are, because things will improve through education.
The principal at Van Der Kemp Primary School, A.D. Johnson, who joined the school in January this year, said he had no choice but to hit the ground running with such a motivated staff member and dedicated SGB.
“I was motivated when I met Miss Salie, who has the sun shining out of her eyes for these learners. She is a huge asset to this school, and to the community, but especially to these little people in this school,” he said at the time.
The success of the event has prompted calls for similar initiatives at other schools throughout the region. Organisers maintain that by offering moments of joy and recognition, they contribute significantly to children’s emotional and social development, helping to build resilient and inspired young citizens. The Benedicta Foundation extended its gratitude to Star Cabs for sponsoring transportation, and to visual artist, Enock Mtileni for documenting the memorable occasion. Those interested in supporting future initiatives are encouraged to contact the foundation via email at info@thebenedictafoundation.org, or follow their social media channels. “Every child deserves the chance to thrive, no matter where they come from,” concluded the foundation’s statement, highlighting the transformative potential of community-driven sporting events.
