Joburg promotes African togetherness through sport

17 March 2017

 

In a continued bid to foster social cohesion and promote tolerance and understanding among South Africans and foreign nationals, the City of Johannesburg, the African Diaspora of Hope (ADHOPE) and JM Busha Investment launched the 2017 Simunye Cup at Johannesburg Stadium in Region F.

 

The City’s Joyce Jiyane said Johannesburg decided to be part of the six-week soccer tournament to foster good relations among South Africans and foreign nationals.

“The City of Johannesburg decided to take this opportunity to be involved in ADHOPE’s Simunye Cup as part of the build-up to the celebration of Africa Month in May. We saw this as an opportunity to build bridges and foster good relations with our fellow Africans,” said Jiyane.

Simunye means “we are one” in IsiZulu.

ADHOPE Chairperson Seraphin Kengne said his organisation sought to use the tournament as a platform to share experiences, ideas and learn different cultures. Kengne said this was also an opportunity for African embassies to relate better to their nationals and give them advice wherever it is needed.

“We’re thrilled that the City of Johannesburg is part of this initiative, in which emphasis will be on social cohesion and tolerance for each other. All nations unite through sports and it is through sports that people can know and love one another. We are looking forward to a successful tournament in which the best talent in Africa will be showcased,” he said.

Twenty countries, including South Africa, will take part in the tournament, which starts at Wembley Stadium on Saturday March 18.

The other participants are Senegal, Mozambique, Egypt, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote D’ Ivoire, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Cameroon, Nigeria, Mauritius, Benin, Gabon, Ghana, Mali, Somali, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

At the launch, a draw was conducted to divide the participating countries into four groups of five teams each.
Prizes range from R4 000 to R15 000.

The final will be played at Rand Stadium on May 28.

Jiyane welcomed the initiative. “As the City, it is our responsibility to make sure that all citizens showcase their talent and channel their energy to sports and make friendships to show that through sports people from different backgrounds and cultures can unite as one,” she said.