On this historic day for the community of Zwide (Gqeberha, South Africa) last week, there was joy and pride as the Emsengeni and Isaac Booi primary schools officially opened their new multi-purpose sports fields, state-of-the-art facilities with artificial turf. This enables these schools to offer thousands of schoolchildren improved Quality Physical Education (QPE) in line with UNESCO standards, which contributes to increased enjoyment and the natural urge to move among children, thereby actively promoting an attitude towards a lifelong active lifestyle.

The sports fields, which were financed by the Kolisi Foundation and its partners, are the result of years of collaboration and the impressive development of the foundation's flagship initiative "Siyaphakama" ('We Rise' ), to which the UNESCO Chair team was able to contribute with training and professional teacher development workshops in the field of QPE.

There is something deeply moving about success returning to where it all began! This is because Siya Kolisi, a current South African rugby player, grew up in the community of Zwide in the north of Gqeberha, and later became a World champion captain of the national rugby team of South Africa: “Physical education and sport have taught me the importance of a healthy body and a healthy mind. Through sport, I have also learnt values that will stay with me for the rest of my life” (Siya Kolisi, Captain of the South African Springboks).

For further detailed information, please contact: Dr Danielle Dolley (danielle.dolley@cluttermandela.ac.za) or Ms Mooveshni Dumalingam (mooveshni.dumalingam@cluttermandela.ac.za).