The facility journey narrated by Vince van der Bijl.
A story of collaboration and a story of the true will of those who see the potential of the Rainbow Nation by building a firm foundation through education, sport, kids and their families. I will try to do this short journey justice. The photos are in stark contrast – the before (2017) and after (2019). The story is below.
The Ukhanyo veld in July 2017 was a sorry sight.
It was at best, dangerous to walk on, impossible to run on and unfit for sport. One’s first thought on seeing the veld was always pick up litter and develop some sporting facilities, ASAP.
It was an incisive comment by Head coach Nceba Jonas in one of my first meetings that changed that thought process.
Nceba commented,” It is pointless giving us facilities if we have not learnt the sport and the skills required though coaches. Coaches and understanding the sport first”.
It stopped me in my tracks. It was like one of those unspoken truths, so simple it required no discussion.
The MCC Masi 750 Sports Club launch in August 2017
That comment refashioned our strategy, so discussed it with the MCC Masi 750 Club’s partner, experienced NGO, Masicorp. While they agreed, Andrew Smith, the Chairman, offered the school a Masicorp gift, as a sign to the school and the community that sport was now on the agenda and the shift was to be radical. Masicorp had raised funds specifically for sports facilities. And organized the construction of three state of the art astro-turf cricket nets.
The construction was managed by ex-Scotland fullback and engineer, Colin Blaikie, project manager supreme. Colin and I were taken to the Claremont cricket nets by Brad Bing of Sporting Chance and the plans that had been on the Masicorp table for two years were adapted to suit the school. The nets were built in time for the Launch in August 2017. What a launch that was – 150 people from the Valley from the late Clive van Ryneveld, the school staff, their choir, dancers and violinists to the Masiphumelele families, donors and friends. The intense cold with the welcome rain was brushed aside.
To underline the importance of the launch, Derek Brewer the then CEO of MCC flew out from England for the function – he and Mike Brearley had driven the MCC initiative.
In the first year, Nceba’s advice became fact. 17 coaches, (fulltime, part-time and volunteers) were found, Ukhanyo school kit was designed and introduced, equipment bought and much donated by Rondebosch PS and HS, through the incredible Liesl van Rensburg. After school’s sport was up and running.
The 2017 fourth term practices became an “all come” affair – it was electric and a little chaotic – but enthusiasm and fun abounded.
Coaches settled in with a coaching style of love, affection, validation and some skills training. There was also life-skills training every session though the Coolplay life-skills programme developed by psychologist, Linda Bruce.
Sport embedded in Ukhanyo in 2018
Sport was embraced by the staff who came with their classes for each PE lesson and 8 staff members volunteered to coach sport after school.
Sport was now embedded in school life. Advantages became visible and self-evident – litter became less of an issue, inter-gender respect skyrocketed, learners arrived on time, pride in the school increased, more learners participated in sport and teachers reported that the sports kids focused more in class. Micheal Thyali, the Principal, said “Sport is a game changer!” High praise.
The 2018 two artificial surface facility Build
Brad Bing suggested I contact Vaughan Bishop of Let’s Play. His team and our team met at Ukhanyo and there was a meeting of minds. By year end Let’s Play Builders and Hitachi built and donated the 40 x 20 artificial surface, for 6 sports! What a gift.
The Launch was filled with amazement and we all felt that we have achieved a little miracle through people with foresight and real commitment to the people of Masiphumelele.
The MCC Masi 750 sports club and Masicorp had collectively raised the funds for a second hard court 40 x 20m and the Builders team led by the highly committed and energetic Leshego Malatsi, built the second court by last day of school in 2018.
The donors of these game-changing facilities
Let’s Play, Builders and Hitachi donated the astro-turf field and sponsored the launch.
The Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum Foundation and Fred Alger, my friend from America, Bateleur Capital, Stichting Ibhongo and MAID, ensured that the second court was built,
John le Roux, while an ambassador of the MCC Masi 750 Club is really a mentor to me and has been supportive throughout.
The 2-year plan completed in 15 months
The wide support given to all the Club’s projects from individuals, Rotaries, NGOs, sports organizations, twinning schools has allowed this project to fast-track. Thank you to each of you the two-year strategy has been completed in 15 months.
You have been magnificent.
This is how South Africa can be. Man, the future could be amazing!
Please continue you support for this to be truly sustainable
Your ongoing support is key to the sustainability – please keep supporting this project. To make a contribution via our website, click here and scroll to the MCC Masi 750 Sports Club option in your country/region.
As Churchill once said, “This is not the end, it is not even the beginning of the end, it is perhaps it is the end of the beginning”. It feels that way for the MCC Masi 750 Sports Club!!
Masicorp 