In the spirit of Nelson Mandela Day, Sun International partnered with Corinthians Africa, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to inclusive sports development, to host a joyful day of friendly football and netball matches that celebrated the power of sport to unite, uplift and transform.
The event saw 35 employees from Sun International go head-to-head with 40 visually impaired athletes supported by Corinthians Africa in a series of “fun matches” designed to break down barriers and build connection through play.
A Day of Celebration and Inclusion
“This day is not just about the games; it’s about coming together and recognising the power of sport to change lives,” said Dumisani Chauke, a respected sports leader and advocate for community empowerment. “Sport creates a safe haven. It brings people together and teaches valuable life lessons just as Madiba believed.”
The celebration highlighted Corinthians Africa’s groundbreaking work as the founders of South Africa’s first blind football programme. Launched in 2021, the initiative began as a modest gathering of visually impaired athletes and has since grown into a structured, pioneering programme in inclusive sport.
Today, the initiative supports over 20 visually impaired players, providing weekly training sessions, life skills workshops, and opportunities to compete in the Johannesburg Blind Football League (JBFL) a SAFA-endorsed platform for visually impaired players from underserved communities across Gauteng.
More Than a Game
Mlungisi “Jack” Msibi, the visionary founder of Corinthians Africa, explained the broader mission of the organisation: “We use sport as a vehicle for education, personal development, and community impact. Every month, we reach over 500 young people, using football and netball as tools to instill discipline, teamwork, and confidence.”
Sun International also donated sporting equipment and resources to support Corinthians Africa’s ongoing work reinforcing the company’s commitment to social impact through sport and education.
“We’re proud to be part of this initiative,” said a Sun International representative. “Mandela Day reminds us to give back, and supporting this remarkable organisation aligns with our values of inclusion and empowerment.”
Madiba’s Legacy Lives On
Nelson Mandela once said, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.” That spirit was alive and well on this Mandela Day, as players of all abilities joined forces in celebration of community, resilience, and hope.
From the cheers on the sidelines to the shared laughter on the field, the event was a vivid reminder that when people come together across backgrounds, challenges, and abilities real change is possible.