TEAMWORK, TRIUMPH, AND TENACITY: GDSD SHINES AT INTER-DEPARTMENTAL SPORTS TOURNAMENT

By Tendamudzimu Goza

•⁠ ⁠GDSD Wins Big – Secured 5 out of 6 victories across soccer, netball, and volleyball.
•⁠ ⁠Wellness Focus – Free health checks offered on-site for staff and spectators.
•⁠ ⁠Team Building – Sports used to boost morale, fitness, and interdepartmental unity.

On Friday, 17 May 2025, a dynamic team of public servants from the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) travelled to Phalaborwa, Limpopo, to represent the Department in the Inter-Departmental Sports Tournament hosted by Mopani Southeast TVET College at the Sir Val Duncan Campus sports fields.
The tournament aimed to promote employee wellness by encouraging physical activity, relieving work-related stress, and fostering camaraderie and interdepartmental collaboration. It also created a platform for knowledge exchange and enhanced service delivery through teamwork and relationship-building.
Teams from Mopani TVET College (Phalaborwa), Letaba TVET College, Limpopo COGSTA, and GDSD competed in soccer, netball, volleyball, and chess. Despite the long hours spent travelling, GDSD’s commitment, unity, and resilience shone brightly throughout the tournament—resulting in a series of remarkable victories:
•⁠ ⁠⚽ Soccer (Over 40): GDSD edged past Limpopo COGSTA 2–1 in the finals.
•⁠ ⁠⚽ Soccer (Under 40): GDSD secured a 3–1 win over Mopani TVET College.
•⁠ ⁠ Netball (Over 40): GDSD defeated Mopani TVET College to claim the title.
•⁠ ⁠ Netball (Under 40): GDSD overcame Limpopo COGSTA in the final round.
•⁠ ⁠ Men’s Volleyball: GDSD emerged victorious against Mopani TVET College.
•⁠ ⁠ Women’s Volleyball: GDSD was narrowly defeated by Limpopo COGSTA.
The event wasn’t just about sports. A wellness component ran alongside the games, with on-site health workers providing free medical consultations for both players and spectators. This holistic approach to wellness emphasized the importance of health, not just in the workplace but in every area of life.
“We came here to represent our Department in sports competitions, and we are highly motivated by our desire to remain healthy and fit despite our ages and demanding work schedules. Sports are key to ensuring that we remain productive in delivering services,” said Emmanuel Mafokene, GDSD Sports Provincial Secretary.
More than just a competition, the tournament instilled a renewed sense of energy, motivation, and connection among participants. GDSD remains committed to leveraging sports as a powerful tool to boost morale, build resilience, and sustain a winning spirit both on and off the field.