The North-West University (NWU) reaffirmed its commitment to community engagement and youth development when its Community Sports Outreach Programme reached schools in the Ramatlabama area on 29 July 2026.
Hosted at Melorane Primary School in the Six Hundred Village, with Batloung Secondary School serving as the host school, the initiative used sport as a catalyst for empowerment, healthy living and talent development among young people.
Organised by the NWU Sports department, the outreach programme forms part of the ongoing commitment of the university to giving back to surrounding communities while strengthening relationships through meaningful engagement. Using sport as a platform, the programme promotes participation, teamwork, discipline, leadership and healthy lifestyles, while creating opportunities for learners to discover and develop their sporting potential.
Learners from SC Kgobokwe High School, Sebupiwa Middle School, Molelwane Secondary School and Batloung Secondary School participated in the event at Melorane Primary School. Throughout the day, learners competed in soccer, netball, volleyball and chess, while enjoying demonstrations in boxing, karate and jujitsu. They valued the exposure to a diverse range of sporting disciplines.
The outreach programme attracted enthusiastic participation from learners, teachers and community members. Approximately 450 participants took part in the football activities, while 227 learners were directly engaged through the broader programme. The strong turnout reflected the appreciation of the community for initiatives that provide young people with opportunities to participate in organised sport and personal development activities.
Beyond the sporting competitions, the programme aimed to inspire learners to pursue active, healthy lifestyles while developing essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, discipline, perseverance and leadership. It also introduced learners to opportunities available at the NWU, demonstrating how sport can serve as a pathway to higher education and personal growth.
One of the key objectives of the programme was to identify promising sporting talent. During the outreach, talented male and female soccer players, as well as outstanding netball goal scorers, were identified for continued monitoring and possible future development. The NWU intends to work closely with participating schools to support these learners as they continue to develop their sporting abilities.
As part of its commitment to strengthening school sport, the university also donated sports equipment to Batloung Secondary School, contributing towards improved sporting resources and creating greater opportunities for learners to participate in organised sport.
Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, Thabo Raborifi from NWU Sports said the programme seeks to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
“The NWU Community Sports Outreach Programme aims to inspire youth, create opportunities and use sport as a potent instrument for growth, in addition to providing sport to our communities. By working with schools in the Ramatlabama area, we hope to empower learners, promote healthy lifestyles, foster athletic ability and strengthen links between the institution and the communities it serves. We believe that every learner should have the chance to engage in sport, realise their potential and pursue their dreams,” he said.
Teachers who attended the programme expressed their appreciation for the initiative and encouraged the university to continue visiting schools in the area. Learners also embraced the opportunity with great enthusiasm, valuing the exposure to talent identification and gaining insight into the educational and sporting pathways available through the NWU.
The positive response from both schools and the broader community reaffirmed the value of the outreach programme as more than just a sporting event. It demonstrated how universities can play an active role in community development by investing in young people, strengthening local partnerships and creating opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
Looking ahead, the NWU Sports department plans to implement the Community Sports Outreach Programme annually using a rotational approach. Rather than focusing on one community each year, different schools and communities across the province will benefit from the initiative, allowing the university to expand its reach, nurture future sporting talent and further strengthen its contribution to community development through sport.
Through initiatives such as the Community Sports Outreach Programme, the NWU continues to demonstrate that sport is not only a vehicle for competition, but also a powerful tool for education, social cohesion and community transformation.
