​The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development, Cllr Lubabalo Magwentshu has launched the City’s Netball Fridays initiative, which is curtain-raiser to the Netball World Cup scheduled for Cape Town from Friday, 28 July to Sunday, 6 August 2023. The monthlong initiative – launched on Friday, 26 May at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre – will be coordinated by the Directorate of Sport and Recreation in the Community Development Department, which has planned a series of activations as a precursor to the all-female showpiece.

City officials have been urged to wear netball jerseys or t-shirts every Friday to promote the Netball World Cup.

Cllr Magwentshu wants to prioritise women in sport and run a campaign to raise funds and support the netball fraternity to receive adequate equipment, gear, and travel allowances as well as increased pay.

“The most important stakeholder here are the netball players we are honouring today. These women are talented, and we want to show them that we see them, that they are the pride of the City. We want to see them reach even greater heights, carry the baton forward, and take one young woman with them as they grow in the sport,” he added.

He also wants to help netball garner support by making sure enough players are supported in growing in the sport.

“I am thankful that I have the opportunity and support that I have from the officials to execute this plan and to put a spotlight on netball,” he said.

​The netball fraternity expressed its appreciation for the launch event and the gesture from the City.

Jane Mbombi, the Johannesburg Netball President, is confident about the performance of players from Joburg in the national team.

“Thank you, Johannesburg, for this event and for making sure we’re remembered,” Mbombi said.

Vincent Campbell, the Executive Director of Community Development, said the Netball Fridays initiative was the City’s way of creating excitement in the lead up to the World Cup.

“This will highlight women’s plight in sport,” Campbell said.

The Netball Fridays launch was also attended by the MMC for Development Planning, Cllr Eunice Mgcina, the Chairperson of the Section 79 Committee on Community Development, Cllr Margaret Arnolds, the President of Athletics South Africa, James Moloi, and delegates and players from the netball fraternity.

The atmosphere was nothing short of amazing and exciting as the netball players sang and danced when the official proceedings wrapped up.

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi

26/05/2023