Page 6 - The Edge Newsletter Sept 2023

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soccer
DUT and EHS HOSTED THE BEST OF ITS KIND:THE SOCIAL COHESION SOCCER
TOURNAMENT AT EMPANGENI HIGH SCHOOL
The Student Recruitment Unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Empangeni High School held an exciting two-day Social Cohesion Soccer Tournament at Empangeni High School in August 2023. The sportful day ended on a high note, with a social cohesion musical concert by the famous Empangeni choir.
The social cohesion soccer tournament consisted of seven girl’s teams and 17 boy’s teams.The aim of the tournament was to bring together schools from different backgrounds and have them all compete on the same field. Spend some time together and possibly learn from each other. This is DUT’s student recruitment strategy. As much as DUT does not have sports bursaries, the university competes on a national stage and have produced players that have went on to represent South Africa’s national teams like Banyana Banyana.
Mr Sizwe Zwane, Empangeni High School Principal, said: “On behalf of Empangeni High School community I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Durban University of Technology for the outstanding contribution made to the social cohesion soccer tournament.This was indeed a historic moment where Basic Education met Higher Education.The idea was to bring together all schools from all backgrounds; rural, urban, township and private sector,” he said.
He further said the tournament was well attended by close to 400 players, boys and girls, over 500 supporters and other stakeholders.
“The geographical spread also represented the diversity of KwaZulu-Natal and that of the country, with some participating schools coming from as far as Cape Town.This is going to be an annual event and it will include at least one school from each province. Thank you very much for changing the lives of our learners,” said Mr Zwane.
DUT’s Mr Michael Zulu, recruitment officer/project leader commented on the success of the soccer tournament.
“I would like to start by thanking Empangeni High School for allowing us to include sports in our recruitment strategy.This initiative initially started in 2022 and was then executed in 2023. We are happy to be part of a programme that does not only speak to athletes or well-being of students at schools or learners at schools but it also goes a long way to integrate society to not only look at sport as a hobby but also as a possible profession that will put food on the table.When we look at society today, we need graduates who will not only seek employment but who will also adapt to the economic challenges that we face, hence we strive to produce all-rounded individuals. We are very much excited, and we look forward to 2024. I appreciate all those who were involved from the institution side to ensure that the tournament was a success.A special thanks to the academic head of departments who have entrusted us with their students. It was a first time in the province to have had a high school tournament with a rehabilitation centre where players were treated on the spot. I really want to applaud our somatology students who were very professional. They knew and understood why they were there and performed exceptionally well together with the Sport Studies department,” explained Mr Zulu.
The reigning champions for the ladies’ teams was Tholokuhle Secondary School and for the reigning champions for the boys’ teams was Durban High School.
Pictured: DUT’s Student Recruitment Units’ Michael Zulu is all smiles at Empangeni High School’s two-day Social Cohesion Soccer Tournament.
Nikiwe Sukazi