Sport for Social Change Network Africa - SSCNA

Sport for Social Change Network Africa - SSCNA The SSCNA, is a Network that comprises of organizations on the Continent that harnesses and uses the power of sport for positive social change.

SSCN Africa was honoured to be part of the SA Sport Awards 2026. 🇿🇦🏆This year, as every year, the awards celebrated and ...
24/08/2026

SSCN Africa was honoured to be part of the SA Sport Awards 2026. 🇿🇦🏆

This year, as every year, the awards celebrated and recognised excellence across South African sport.

We were especially honoured to have been part of the nominations for the Recreation Body of the Year Award, recognising the contribution of recreation and sport to communities and social development.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners who were recognised on the night. Your dedication and contribution to sport continue to inspire.

Allan Wilfred Williams Department of Sport, Arts and Culture


**FROM DIALOGUE TO ACTION | ARISE WOMEN OF AFRICA FOOTBALL CUP ⚽💜**Following yesterday’s **5th Edition of the Arise Wome...
22/08/2026

**FROM DIALOGUE TO ACTION | ARISE WOMEN OF AFRICA FOOTBALL CUP ⚽💜**

Following yesterday’s **5th Edition of the Arise Women of Africa Symposium**, today we took the spirit of **Together We Rise** from conversation onto the field.

Together with SSCN Africa member **Hout Bay United Football Community (HBUFC)**, we hosted the **Arise Women of Africa Football Cup** at the HBUFC Dream Factory — bringing girls and women of different ages together through sport.

The day featured an **8-team 3v3 tournament**, creating a space for participation, connection, teamwork and fun, with the programme concluding with prize-giving and recognition for sportsmanship.

This was a fitting way to sign off Arise 2026: demonstrating that advancing opportunities for women and girls is not only about what we discuss, but also about creating real spaces where they can **participate, lead, belong and thrive through sport**.

Thank you to **HBUFC**, the coaches, staff and every player who made today possible.

**The symposium may be over, but the movement continues. From dialogue to action. Together We Rise.**

Allan Wilfred Williams HBUFC Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Drug-Free Sport ZA Maties Sport Sport for Social Change Network Africa - SSCNA

CELEBRATING OUR TOP 3 WINNERS | ARISE WOMEN OF AFRICA 2026We proudly celebrate the winners of the **Women Excellence in ...
21/08/2026

CELEBRATING OUR TOP 3 WINNERS | ARISE WOMEN OF AFRICA 2026

We proudly celebrate the winners of the **Women Excellence in Sport for Peace and Development Award.

🥇 **1st Place – Kelebogile Matolela**
Recognised for using sport, technology and environmental stewardship to drive social change, from addressing gender-based violence through Olympic Values Education to championing sustainable sport and women in tech.

🥈 **2nd Place – Helen Herbert**
Celebrated for more than three decades of leadership in lifesaving, water safety and sports governance, while strengthening grassroots programmes and developing the next generation of leaders.

🥉 **3rd Place – Michelle Abdeziet**
Recognised for using grassroots football, youth counselling and sports leadership to heal, empower and create opportunities within communities across Gauteng. While Michelle was unable to join us in person to receive her award, we proudly celebrate her achievement and the impact of her work.

Congratulations to **Kelebogile, Helen and Michelle** on this well-deserved recognition. 🏆👏

Celebrating excellence, honouring impact, and recognising women who are changing lives through sport. Together We Rise.. 💚💛

Allan Wilfred Williams Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities African Union Sport Council National Lotteries Commission City of Cape Town Maties Sport The Noakes Foundation Women Sport Africa Network Development Bank of Southern Africa

THE 5TH EDITION HAS OFFICIALLY CLOSED — BUT THE WORK CONTINUES.The afternoon programme brought the 5th Edition of the Ar...
21/08/2026

THE 5TH EDITION HAS OFFICIALLY CLOSED — BUT THE WORK CONTINUES.

The afternoon programme brought the 5th Edition of the Arise Women of Africa Symposium to a close with important conversations on Doping & Athlete Wellbeing and Good Governance & Media.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and participated. Your presence, questions, experiences and contributions helped make the day meaningful.

We also thank every speaker, panellist, partner and team member who helped make the symposium possible.

While the formal programme has ended, the work continues. The insights and recommendations gathered will help shape the post-event Call to Action and next steps.

Thank you for rising with us. From dialogue, we now build towards action. Together We Rise.

Allan Wilfred Williams Maties Sport Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities African Union Sport Council National Lotteries Commission Sport for Social Change Network Africa - SSCNA South African Government SABC Sport The Noakes Foundation

**MORNING SESSIONS COMPLETE | ARISE 2026**The morning programme at the **5th Edition of the Arise Women of Africa Sympos...
21/08/2026

**MORNING SESSIONS COMPLETE | ARISE 2026**

The morning programme at the **5th Edition of the Arise Women of Africa Symposium** has wrapped, and we are taking a moment over lunch to reflect, connect and network.

Our final morning breakaway sessions brought two important conversations into focus:

**Breakaway B1: Good Health & Wellbeing** explored HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health, and how sport and community platforms can support safer, informed and more inclusive conversations.

**Breakaway B2: Equal Access to Education** examined the barriers affecting girls and women and the practical actions needed to create stronger and more equitable learning pathways.

Different focus areas, but a shared message: **women and girls need access to the information, support and opportunities that enable them to thrive.**

As we break for lunch, participants are continuing the conversation through networking, sharing experiences and building connections across sectors.

The dialogue continues this afternoon.

PANEL 2 | DECENT WORK & ECONOMIC GROWTHAt the 5th Edition of the Arise Women of Africa Symposium, the conversation is co...
21/08/2026

PANEL 2 | DECENT WORK & ECONOMIC GROWTH

At the 5th Edition of the Arise Women of Africa Symposium, the conversation is connecting sport, youth development and pathways into employment, further learning and entrepreneurship.

Leigh Fortuin shared how one rugby match changed the direction of her journey:

**“This is the game. I’m going to leave all other sports behind.”**

From Mitchells Plain to competitive rugby, Leigh’s story is one of discipline, resilience and constantly challenging herself to grow.

Tumelo Leseke shared an equally powerful message about creating space for herself in rugby beyond the playing field:

**“If you don’t want me on the field, I’ll be a coach. If I’m not a coach, I’ll be a team manager. I’m going to be something in rugby.”**

Her journey from player to team management and now participation and development shows how sport can create pathways into careers, leadership and meaningful work.

Different journeys. One shared message: women need opportunities to participate, develop, lead and build sustainable careers in and through sport

Allan Wilfred Williams Maties Sport Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Development Bank of Southern Africa National Lotteries Commission African Union Sport Council Sport for Social Change Network Africa - SSCNA

PANEL 1 | ANAEMIA & NUTRITIONAt the 5th Edition of the Arise Women of Africa Symposium, Professor Tim Noakes is contribu...
21/08/2026

PANEL 1 | ANAEMIA & NUTRITION

At the 5th Edition of the Arise Women of Africa Symposium, Professor Tim Noakes is contributing to the conversation on *anaemia, nutrition and women’s health*.

Iron deficiency can have a major impact on women and girls, affecting *energy levels, concentration, wellbeing, participation in sport, education and everyday life*.

A key message from the discussion is that nutrition matters. What we eat — and how foods are combined — can influence how effectively the body absorbs iron. Nutrient-rich foods and Vitamin C can support iron intake and absorption, while some foods and drinks may reduce it.

The conversation also highlights the importance of making nutritious food *accessible and affordable*, particularly for women and girls in communities where cost remains a barrier.

Food can be an important part of supporting health, but it should work alongside appropriate medical care and professional guidance*

Good nutrition is not only about health — it is about giving women and girls the energy, opportunity and support to participate fully and thrive.

Allan Wilfred Williams African Union Sport Council Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities National Lotteries Commission Maties Sport City of Cape Town Development Bank of Southern Africa The Noakes Foundation Sport for Social Change Network Africa - SSCNA

BREAKAWAY A | GENDER EQUALITY IN FOCUSTwo important conversations are happening side by side at the *5th Edition of the ...
21/08/2026

BREAKAWAY A | GENDER EQUALITY IN FOCUS

Two important conversations are happening side by side at the *5th Edition of the Arise Women of Africa Symposium*.

*Breakaway A1: Gender-Based Violence* is examining the systems, support and collective action needed to strengthen prevention, safety and response for women and girls.

*Breakaway A2: Women in Leadership* is focusing on representation, decision-making and the conditions needed for women to lead across sport and society.

Together, these conversations raise an important question:

*What structural barriers continue to prevent women from being safe, represented and reaching the highest levels of leadership?*

The discussion continues as we work towards practical recommendations and collective action.

WE ARE OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY | ARISE 2026The *5th Edition of the Arise Women of Africa Symposium* has officially begun at ...
21/08/2026

WE ARE OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY | ARISE 2026

The *5th Edition of the Arise Women of Africa Symposium* has officially begun at the Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town.

We opened the day with a warm welcome from *SSCN Africa Board Member Ms Thato Ndala*, setting the tone for a day centred on reflection, collaboration and practical action to advance gender equality through sport.

Our keynote speaker, *Ms. Jodi Scholtz, Commissioner of South Africa’s National Lotteries Commission*, then challenged us to think about what equality looks like in the everyday lives of women.

*“Real equality is not a policy. It’s what happens in a woman’s real life.”*

Her message reminded us that while progress has been made, policy must translate into real opportunities, safety, support, skills and independence for women and girls.

She also emphasised that meaningful change must reach communities and respond to the specific challenges women face on the ground.

*Women are not just part of the conversation — they are part of the solution.*

Today, we move from evidence and dialogue towards collective action.

*Together We Rise.*

Allan Wilfred Williams Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities African Union Sport Council Development Bank of Southern Africa The Noakes Foundation National Lotteries Commission Maties Sport City of Cape Town Drug-Free Sport ZA African Union

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