The City of Tshwane co-hosted Kasi Rugby Day in partnership with the Blue Bulls and Vodacom at Themba Sport Grounds in Hammanskraal. This program is aimed at bringing rugby to townships and groom future players of the country.
The exciting partnership was a first step in growing private and public partnerships that I believe are key to ensuring governance excellence. We do better as a government when we extend a hand to work with others.
Palesa Modise MMC for Community and Social Development Services said that The Blue Bulls Kasi Rugby Day was born out of the belief that sport should be diversified in townships.
“The Department for Community and Social Development Services noticed that sport codes such as rugby and cricket were not widely played in our townships,”
The MMC has emphasised the importance of localising rugby and committing to continuous programs of inclusivity for the benefit of children in the townships.
“Our children were being deprived of choice because there existed no variety. The rugby field that exists in Themba, Hammanskraal was not used for the specific sport, but for soccer,”
“The Blue Bulls, which were already hosting outreach events in underprivileged communities, were keen on hosting a similar event in the Region,” stated Modise, MMC for Community and Social Development Services
Modise further said that the successful collaboration between the City of Tshwane and the Blue Bulls allowed young athletes to learn and participate. “We appreciate the effort made by the Blue Bulls, Vodacom, Thirsti and SNG Grant Thomton, and we look forward to future partnerships.”
Blue Bulls Rugby Union President Willem Strauss expressed his appreciation to everyone who attended the Rugby Development Clinic event, emphasising its importance in the revival of rugby in Hammanskraal.
He highlighted how such events bring communities together, celebrate local talent, and help reignite the enthusiasm for the sport in the area. Strauss said: “Yet more tangible proof of how we are growing our brand and beautiful game.”
