Over the Easter weekend, from April 19 to 21, 2025, the community of Nyanisweni gathered at Jacaranda Sports Field for a vibrant youth sports tournament organised and sponsored by local entrepreneur Nandipha Sodwele. The event was aimed at promoting a culture of sports and leadership among the youth in the area.
A total of nine soccer teams took part in the tournament, while five netball teams also participated on a voluntary basis, despite the lack of funding to formally include netball in the programme. The turnout was impressive, with many families and community members coming out to support their children and enjoy the games.
“The tournament was bigger than we expected,” said Sodwele. “It brought so much joy and unity to our community. It was beautiful to see young people taking part in something positive.”
Winning soccer teams were awarded generous prizes. The first-place team received R4,500, a trophy and gold medals. Second place earned R2,500 and silver medals, while third place received R1,500. The netball teams were also celebrated, with top teams receiving medals, cups, and cash prizes ranging from R1,000 to R500.
One of the standout teams during the event was Impisi, who delivered an impressive performance throughout the weekend. On Saturday, they beat Jacaranda 2–1. On Sunday, they secured 2–1 victories against both Tigers and Casablanca, followed by a 4–3 win on penalties. Their final match on Monday ended in a 0–0 draw against Gold Diggers, but they triumphed 5–4 in the penalty shootout.
The event, while a great success, was not without challenges. Organisers pointed out the lack of changing-room facilities, poor goalposts, electrical wiring issues around the pitch, and limited access to toilets. Despite these setbacks, the spirit of the tournament remained strong.
The soccer ball used in the matches was donated by Mama Nonkonyana from Sinawe, and support was also received from local “big brothers” in the community who helped make the event possible.
Nandipha Sodwele, who is also the founder of Nolandumbinda Milling—an agro-processing company based in Ward 7, Bizana—used the tournament to give back to the youth and reinforce the importance of empowerment through sport. Her business produces white and yellow mealie meal, crushed yellow maize, and dry beans, and has become a symbol of local economic development and community investment.
With its warm atmosphere and positive impact, the Nyanisweni Easter Tournament is already being hailed as a new community tradition—one that brings families together and encourages the next generation to lead, compete, and uplift one another.
