SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS WITH SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE TO HOST THRILLING PROVINCIAL DISABILITY SPORTS GAMES

By Lawrence Mashabela

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development, together with the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation and Emfuleni Local Municipality, hosted the annual Provincial Disability Sports Games at Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark.
• More than 500 Persons with Disabilities from organisations across the province participated, showcasing their skills and talents in a range of sporting activities.
• The event aimed to promote inclusion, dignity and active participation, while challenging stereotypes about the abilities of Persons with Disabilities.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation and the Emfuleni Local Municipality, hosted the annual Provincial Disability Sports Games at Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark. The event brought together more than 500 Persons with Disabilities from across Gauteng for a day of competition, celebration and community.

The 2025 games featured a vibrant programme that allowed participants to demonstrate their talents, capabilities and physical strength through a range of exciting sporting codes. These included soccer, netball, jukskei, and traditional games such as morabaraba and diketo.

According to Rachael Human, the Provincial Disability Sports Games play an important role in raising awareness about the abilities and contributions of Persons with Disabilities. She said the event challenges misconceptions and fosters greater respect for the rights and dignity of all participants.

“As the Department, we are excited to host these games and to witness you showcase your potential and talent. This programme is for you, it exists to ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.

Human commended the energy, participation and enthusiasm displayed by all organisations involved. She emphasised that the games promote physical, mental and social well-being and offer opportunities for individuals to connect, compete and grow through sport and recreation.

Participants expressed pride in taking part and joy in representing their corridors. Vusi Nhlapo, aged 21 from the Eastern Corridor, scored three goals during the men’s soccer matches and said the event encourages them to stay active and healthy. “It was great competing against other corridors. I’m proud that we won every match, we are number one!” he said with a smile.

Katlego Ntloane, aged 27, who played netball, said the event proves that disability does not diminish talent or capability. “Many people underestimate Persons with Disabilities and think we are not capable of playing sports, but today we showed that we can compete and win,” she said.

In the final results, the Eastern Corridor took first place in soccer, while the Northern Corridor claimed top honours in the netball category. All participants received medals in recognition of their efforts, and the winning teams were awarded trophies to celebrate their achievements.

Through events such as the Provincial Disability Sports Games, the Gauteng Department of Social Development continues to promote inclusion and empower Persons with Disabilities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate, excel and be celebrated.