NPO combating crime through sports

By: Staff Reporter

Matlakeng Non-Governmental Organization Fun Walk, 09 December 2023, combating crime through sports

A community-based Non-Profit organization Matlakeng Non-Governmental Organization is on a mission to keep young people away from the street in Zastron by combating crime through sport. 

On 09 December, Matlakeng Non-Profit Organization hosted a fun walk and a mini-marathon which aimed at keeping young people away from the streets and restoring sports in the area. 

The event could have seen winners of the mini marathon walking away with R10 000, of which R5 000 was to be shared among 3 male winners and the other half by their female counterparts. 

However, due to non-participation the marathon had to be canceled and the organization proceeded with the fun walk which saw people winning food and beverage vouchers together with t-shirts from a local brand Supa Vision Exclusives from a ruffle. 

The event was sponsored by Thusano Funeral Parlor, Bataung Daniel Paka Construction, Neo Prolific Media, Supa Vision Exclusives, Magic Motion Media, Uncle & Nephew Projects, Matla Youth Tourism Organization, Boiketlong and Meriting Tavern, entities based in the vicinity of Zastron. 

Matlakeng NGO CEO Neo Ntsele, reiterated that the event aimed to try and give back to the community and also give young people something to be busy with and stay out of the street. 

“Since it’s the festive season we wanted to do something for the community but we wanted people to come together, compete, and have fun while winning money and prices. The aim was to restore sport in our area because, in the absence of sport, we have seen a rise in crime. I hope to see the event grow next year, we need young people to participate in the marathon because it is where some might discover their talent and make something out of their lives”, noted Ntsele.  

One of the ruffle winners and participants at the fun-walk Tshepang Phosholi applauded the efforts of the organization as he deemed the experience fun and therapeutic. 

“The initiative was something else we had fun, to be honest. I wish we could have more people particularly young people taking part in such initiatives. If we can afford to win over young people the crime rate in the area will decrease and Zastron might be restored to its previous stature of being a powerhouse in sport in the Free State”, noted ecstatic Phosholi.   

The organization will host another marathon around Easter as their buildup to the second annual marathon and fun-walk to commence in December. 

“I would also wish to pass our gratitude to our sponsors, their support truly proves that our people care and want to see young people prosper and stay away from crime. Next year we will be having our second annual marathon and fun walk we hope to see more people partaking”, concluded Ntsele. 

Matlakeng NGO is also involved in various projects in Zastron, earlier this year they donated 54 school shoes and sanitary towels to disadvantaged pupils at Zama Primary School.