Celebrating Sisterhood and Sport at Girls Fest in Durban
September 7, 2025
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On Saturday, 30 August 2025, over 200 girls and coaches filled the courts of Danville Park Girls’ High School in Durban with the sounds of bouncing basketballs, laughter, and celebration, as PeacePlayers South Africa hosted its 7th Annual Girls Basketball Festival. In addition to participants and coaches from PeacePlayers’ core programs, four added partner schools also joined in to celebrate the power, potential, and leadership of young women — both on and off the court.
Held each year during South Africa’s National Women’s Month, Girls’ Fest has become a cornerstone event for PeacePlayers, offering a safe, joyful space for girls to connect, compete, and grow together. The 2025 theme continued to build on the organization’s mission: empowering girls to see themselves as leaders, changemakers, and community builders, using the language of sport to foster unity and confidence.
A Day of Inspiration and Empowerment
The day kicked off with registration and a warm welcome that set the tone for what was to come: inspiration, teamwork, and joy. Participants gathered for a panel discussion featuring three dynamic women leaders — Liezel Patterson, Shadi Nyokong, and Jessica Khomo — who shared stories of perseverance, purpose, and leadership.
Liezel Patterson, of the Victor Daitz Foundation, which helped sponsor the event, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for young people to lead with confidence and compassion. Veteran social worker and Programme Manager with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (which also supports Girls Fest) Shadi Nyokong spoke about her lifelong work supporting children and families, highlighting the power of community-led change. Rounding out the panel, Jessica Khomo, General Manager of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics and former South African netball star, inspired the crowd with her story of resilience — from the classroom to the national court — and her passion for using sport to uplift others.
Building Skills, Building Leaders
Following the panel, the girls took to the courts for a round-robin tournament, displaying teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill. Off the court, they participated in life skills and team-bonding sessions, designed to help them strengthen their confidence, communication, and leadership.
The energy reached its peak during the Coaches Exhibition Game and the Finals, where cheers echoed across the courts. The day concluded with an awards ceremony, recognizing that not only athletic achievement but also qualities like respect, unity, and leadership are valued and elevated at PeacePlayers.
As the sun set on a full day of basketball, mentorship, and celebration, it was clear that the 7th Annual Girls’ Basketball Festival was about much more than sport — it was about creating space for girls to dream boldly, to lead fearlessly, and to know they belong both on the court and in the world.
