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By Johnathan Paoli
In celebration of Youth Day, Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has highlighted the national government’s recognition of sport as a transformative tool in youth development.
She said sport could unite communities, empower young people and connect them to educational opportunities.
Nkabane made an appearance at the annual Matsila Soccer Tournament held at the Mathabani Soccer Grounds in Majosi Village, Limpopo.
“Sport and education are not separate tracks, they are parallel forces that must work together if we are to truly transform the future of our youth. Events like these build unity, foster social cohesion and remind our young people that they are not forgotten. They are the future and we must equip them with both the skills and the spirit to lead,” Nkabane said.
Hosted by the Matsila Foundation and led by Chief Livhuwani Matsila, the event, now a flagship event in the Vhembe region, attracted thousands of community members, youth and local leaders, all gathering under the banner of sportsmanship, pride, and development.
The minister emphasised the importance of post-school education and training in combating unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
“As the Post-School Education and Training sector, we are re-engineering the curriculum to respond to the demands of the modern economy. We do not want young people to be spectators in the country’s economic development, they must be central players,” Nkabane said.
Before kick-off, the minister took time to engage directly with youth in attendance, encouraging them to apply early to higher education institutions and to take advantage of National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding opportunities.
She reiterated her call for communities to support both academic and athletic pursuits.
The Matsila Soccer Tournament, which saw 16 teams competing over several weeks for a prize pool of R35,000 and more, is one of the largest community-driven youth sports events in Limpopo.
This year’s champions, Vhangani FC, lifted the trophy to the thunderous cheers of their supporters, with Nkabane and Matsila handing over the awards at the closing ceremony.
Matsila, the visionary behind the tournament, praised the impact of youth sports on social development.
“We don’t have much, but what we offer can change lives. Some of these boys may one day play for national teams, but more importantly, they learn discipline, teamwork and ambition,” he said.
Nkabane echoed this sentiment, stating that sport taught resilience, and when paired with education, became a weapon against poverty and hopelessness.
The minister made it clear that commemorating Youth Day should not be about ceremony alone, but about action.
“We are here not just to remember the past, but to build a future. One where no child is left behind because of where they were born or how much money they have,” she declared.
Nkabane said that the tournament has proven once again that when sport, education and leadership came together, communities thrived and youth were inspired to rise.
“This is not just a tournament. It is a movement. A celebration of our youth, our culture and our dreams for a better South Africa,” she said.
Matsila announced intentions to involve more local businesses in next year’s tournament to grow the platform and provide even more opportunities for youth development.
INSIDE EDUCATION