Ilenge Development Foundation
Programmes
The main problem that we are solving is the historical and ongoing societal challenges in Msinga, including tribal conflicts, economic instability, and social strife.
Our overall goal is to see a culture of social cohesion within the Msinga Community and beyond through sport and Community Development initiatives.
To fulfil our different objectives, the Foundation is working on the following projects. The projects are in various phases of conceptualisation and development and are being implemented with numerous partners, ranging from the government to other civil society actors. Several actors also lend their support at various levels.
1. Sports for Peace and Development
Ilenge Development Foundation through this programme aims to address critical social issues and promote peace in Msinga, through various sports-related activities, particularly football and Netball.
The programme consists of three main components:
Soccer Leagues for Development, provides year-round opportunities for youth empowerment and talent development while giving youth access to sports. We believe in the power of sports to empower young people by instilling discipline, leadership, and teamwork skills. The programme allow youth to showcase their athletic abilities, develop their potential, and nurture their passion for sports.
- Sports for Peace (Bi-Annual Tournaments), fosters unity, celebrates local talent, and creates economic opportunities; this platform focuses on Soccer and collaborate with Netball. The platform raises awareness, empower youth to be part of addressing social issues, advocate for change, become agents of change and contribute to the overall development of their communities. These semi-annual tournaments serve as a means to promote unity, economic growth, and talent scouting.
- Social Cohesion and Peace Dialogue, which uses football as a medium to reduce violence, improve social cohesion, and foster unity among community members.
The programme seeks to bridge social divides, empower youth, and create a culture of peace and unity within the community, addressing critical issues such as past conflicts, factionalism, economic insecurity, and poverty.
Programme Beneficiaries
The programme reaches 2216 young people.
● Soccer Leagues: 620 young people (once a week)
● Bi-annual Sports Tournaments: 1196 young people
● Social Cohesion & Peace: 400 young people and other community members
2. Empowering the Girl Child through education and health initiatives
At the forefront of the IDF’s agenda lies a steadfast commitment to the education and health of the girl child. In conjunction with our collaborative efforts alongside the Women’s Netball League and the soccer tournaments organised with IFA, the IDF is poised to embark on specific interventions dedicated to addressing the unique educational and health needs of young women and girls.
This initiative encompasses a range of activities aimed at ensuring that young women and girls have access to vital resources and support. By actively engaging in these initiatives, the IDF aims to empower young women and girls, equipping them with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to thrive academically and maintain good health. We firmly believe that investing in the girl child’s education and health is an investment in a brighter, more equitable future for our community.
3. Building Monuments and Celebrating Peace Initiatives
At the heart of our mission, the IDF is dedicated to promoting peace and social cohesion within the Msinga community. To achieve this, we are embarking on initiatives centered around the construction of Peace Monuments and celebratory events that pay homage to the community’s rich history and enduring spirit of Ubuntu.
Our Peace Monuments will stand as lasting reminders of the importance of peace celebrations, unity, and the remarkable peace-building efforts within Msinga. These monuments will resonate with the hearts and minds of the girl and boy child in Msinga, inspiring them with the message that unity and purpose can overcome even the greatest challenges. They will serve as heritage sites, commemorating the community’s journey from conflict to peaceful coexistence.
The community annual tournaments founded by our forebears were born from the reflection that brought the community together to celebrate without the shadow of wars and threats like the Cannibals (Amazimu). It highlighted sports as a valuable resource for nurturing a wholesome community life.
Our efforts aim to bring together tourists, locals, companies, youth, community organisations, media, and visitors from across KwaZulu Natal Province annually to celebrate the community’s richness, diversity, and heritage.
4. Community Development and Skills Training
The actualisation of IDF’s vision is centered on a comprehensive programme aimed at fostering community development. Our vision does not regard community members as passive recipients but as active participants in building and improving our community. We believe in the growth of both our community as a whole and the individuals within it.
In partnership with Majuba TVET College and other emerging partners, our programme is designed to raise community awareness about diverse opportunities for personal development and capacity building. Our objective is to empower individuals to become productive and contributing citizens within our community.
5. Women’s Social Value and Participation
The IDF firmly rejects the prejudiced treatment that women have endured throughout history, and we are dedicated to creating a society where such biases have no place. As part of our commitment to gender equality, we actively seek to engage women in our community, encouraging their active involvement in various roles, including sports coaches, team managers, players, and members of the IDF leadership.
We believe that women should have a platform to express themselves and actively participate in shaping the future of our community. We do not aim to speak for women but to provide a forum for them to voice their perspectives and aspirations. Given the opportunity, women are more than capable of being architects of their own emancipation.
History has shown that women, often bearing the tremendous burden of losing their husbands and children to conflicts, have been the driving force in seeking an end to wars and fostering peace. Women possess immense power as agents of emancipation, and the IDF recognises and celebrates this fact.
In collaboration with partners, we plan to organise talks and roadshows aimed at empowering women and affording them prominent roles within the IDF’s leadership and community involvement. By providing women with opportunities for active participation and leadership, we can harness their immense potential to contribute to the betterment of our community and society as a whole.
