Queens of the Court at PeacePlayers South Africa's 6th Girls’ Basketball Festival
October 1, 2024
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The day started with strong winds that went up as high as 40 knots per hour. Event posters and banners may have had a tough time braving the weather, but as far as the 250 girls who showed up for PeacePlayers South Africa’s annual Girls Fest were concerned, it was an amazing day. The girls arrived in high spirits and excitement, excited to have a whole day devoted to letting them be themselves in a safe space, make friends, have fun, and be inspired. In South Africa, opportunities for girls and young women can be limited, and for many girls, traditional gender roles play a big part in determining their futures. So, Girls Fest is kind of a big deal around here 🙂
The day included team building and life skills sessions, as well as an inspiring panel discussion with three young women entrepreneurs who pushed through barriers and created their own success.
One of the highlights was definitely the panel, which gave the girls in attendance some real life inspiration for what they themselves can achieve. Panelists entrepreneur and professional basketball player Nolwazi Njilo, who started a fitness center for women; Entrepreneur Surusha Chauke who is one of the only women working in the international basketball industry in Africa; and Yolanda Dali, a PR strategist who who has also successfully launched three thriving businesses. And their words of wisdom were many:
Nolwazi Njilo: “Understand that, in order to unleash your fullest potential and live your dream, you need to make tough sacrifices, prioritize, and be a team player. Don’t ever look down on anyone, because tomorrow, that same person could be the CEO of the biggest company, so you need to remember to stay humble and focus on yourself.”
Surusha Chauke: “Your best is good enough and it matters. Reach for the stars and remain consistent and humble through your journey! All the best my Queens – can’t wait to see all of you in the big leagues.”
Yolanda Dali: “Block out the noise. Dare to dream, dare to do. You are the architect of your own destiny.”
Then the girls moved on to basketball. After 16 games, PeacePlayers Suns were victorious as 2024 Champions with last year’s champions PMG High in second place. The PPSA Spirit Award went to Yabongeka Ntanjana from DGHS and the PeacePlayers Way Award went to Kwanele Thusi from Umlazi West. We would like to congratulate all the girls who dared to show up and had a good time.
Special thanks to everyone who supported us and made this day a huge success especially our team, invitational schools and volunteers.
Also, shout out to all the teams that participated from Durban Girls High, PMB Girls High, Northlands Girls High, Port Shepstone Girls High and PeacePlayers Teams that included participants from Umlazi West, Lamontville, Inner-City, Brettonwood High, Molweni, LIV Village and Primary School All Stars!
Thank you to Quelle for keeping all of us hydrated with water and ViV
Panellist: Yolanda Dali, Nolwazi Njilo and Sarusha Chauke
Yooshka Naicker – CATHSSETA Skills Liaison Officer
Northwood High School for hosting us
