Mhleli Foundation uses sport to forge pathways to education
Founded in 2022 by a group of black professionals and chaired by Thulani Sithole, the Mhleli Foundation, which originated in Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal, was created from a collective aspiration to address the social issues affecting local youth.
Using sports as a bridge to education
Drawing from personal experience with those challenges and a strong dedication to community development, Brand and Communications Spokesperson for the Mhleli Foundation, Thabile Malebo, told SuperSport Schools Plus that the foundation has selected sports as its main means to engage with youth, acknowledging its ability to inspire, unite, and educate.
The foundation’s guiding motto, “Sports for Education,” reflects a simple but powerful philosophy – a well-balanced student should thrive both on the field and in the classroom.
Through the establishment of a classroom environment that fosters both physical and academic development, the Mhleli Foundation seeks to empower young individuals and generate genuine opportunities for personal and educational progress.
Malebo said that when the initiative started in 2022, South Africa, like the rest of the world, was recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Schools were slowly regaining normalcy, but sports programmes, once a vital part of school life, had suffered immensely. The foundation stepped in at just the right time, and the concept was quickly embraced by local schools that were eager for revitalisation,” she said.
The foundation collaborates closely with both primary and secondary schools through a local organising committee. The committee consists of the sports coordinators from the schools, who assist in planning all activities leading up to the finals in June, which are held in honour of Youth Month.
Mhleli Foundation Tournament: More than just a game
The highlight of the foundation’s annual calendar is the Mhleli Foundation Netball and Soccer Tournament, which has grown to become a cornerstone even in the Mandeni school sports scene.
With a total of R100 000 up for grabs, winning teams not only earn bragging rights but also receive educational support that leaves a lasting legacy in their schools.
What’s unusual about the Mhleli Foundation Tournament’s approach is that rather than giving out cash, the foundation allows each winning school to determine its most pressing educational need. The resources are then purchased and delivered directly to the school, a concept the foundation proudly calls, “Victory for Knowledge.”
“The idea is simple: the teams win the game, but the entire school wins the reward,” Sithole, the Chairperson of the foundation, said.
Sport as a catalyst for academic growth
Sithole informed SuperSport Schools Plus that studies have consistently shown that sports have a substantial effect on educational results by improving discipline, concentration, attendance, and even academic achievement.
The Mhleli Foundation has witnessed this directly, and South Africa has a historical record of illustrating the connection between sports and enhanced education through numerous initiatives and observed advantages.
School sports programmes, especially those emphasising physical activity and education, play a vital role in fostering better academic results, character growth, and social skills among students.
“This correlation isn’t coincidental. Participation in structured sports fosters a sense of responsibility, time management, and goal setting – skills that naturally translate into better performance in the classroom,” Sithole explained.
Through the Mhleli Foundation Tournament, many learners have found motivation to excel both on the field and in their academic pursuits. By connecting sports with educational incentives, the foundation reinforces a compelling message – “Excellence in one area can lead to opportunity in another.”
Past and Future of the Mlheli Foundation Soccer Tournament
In 2024, Matigulu High defeated Somshoko High 1-0 in a tightly contested final to earn the title of tournament champions.
In the Primary school championship, Macambini Primary secured a 2–1 victory against Thekelimfundo Primary to claim gold.
The finals of this year’s Mhleli Foundation Soccer Tournament are set to be aired on the SuperSport Schools App on Thursday, 12 June and Friday, 13 June. They have generated significant interest, Sithole said.
“With schools’ pride, community support, and educational advancement on the line the Mhleli Foundation is not just a celebration of sport but a celebration of hope, growth, and the power of youth.”
One of the teams to keep an eye on is Mathubesizwe High School, which is making its third consecutive appearance in the final stages of the tournament. In 2022, they finished third. The following year, they were crowned the champions. In 2025, they have aspirations of claiming the title again.
Udumo High School, a team that embodies both skill and heritage, has a particularly strong connection to the Mhleli Foundation. Four current board members of the foundation – Thulani Sithole, Collin Nkosi, Musa Mdletshe, and Ralph Nhlabathi – were once players for Udumo High. Dumi Nene, and Malebo, also attended the school.
The stage is prepared for an exciting Youth Month celebration, where talent, tradition, and purpose converge on the field.
Sithole expressed gratitude to the many partners who have made the Mhleli Foundation’s work possible. They include Milo, with whom they have partnered for the last two years, the Department of Education, the Department of Sports and Culture, Digital Council Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA), House of Brands, SuperSport Schools, as a broadcaster and media partner, the Mandeni Municipality, and Destinoh Lubes.
FIXTURES
Thursday, 12 June: Primary Schools
Ngcedomhlophe Stadium (Mandeni)
09:00 – Ebendle Primary vs Gcwala Primary School
Final
11:30 – Mandeni Primary School vs Emthaleni Primary School
Feature Match
14:00 – Mangosuthu University vs Mandeni Celtics
Friday, 13 June: High Schools
Ngcedomhlophe Stadium (Mandeni)
Third Place
09:00 – Mgandeni High School vs Matigulu High School
Final
11:30 – Udumo High School vs Mathubesizwe High School
Feature Match
14:00 – Durban University of Technology vs Mandeni Squad
