Thousands take part in the 2022 Premier’s Social Cohesion Games 

BY CityLIfe Arts Writer

This past weekend saw more than 4000 participants taking part in the fourth edition of the Premier’s Social Cohesion Games after two years of absence due to the Covid -19 pandemic. The finals of the games were held at the North West University, Vaal Triangle Campus on Sunday, 2 October 2022.

Participants across Gauteng including the African diaspora forum and Hip Alliance, gathered at the university’s sports fields and took part in different sporting codes including football, rugby, cricket, chess, and netball.

An elated Gauteng Premier, David Makhura who was part of a football team, said: “We are excited that the games are back after a two-year break. These games are to showcase our country’s diversity and promote social cohesion, nation building and mobilize residents and communities against racism and xenophobia in the province.

“It is also important for us as a nation to embrace all groups, including our brothers and sisters from across the continent and those who form part of the LGBTIQA+ community.”

This year’s games were held in honour of David Kekana, a renowned sports journalist and analyst who was not only known for his objective and critical analysis in sports but was also instrumental in the Gauteng Provincial Government’s efforts of using sport as a channel for promoting social cohesion in the province.

The highlight of the day was a football match between soccer legends, which had Premier David Makhura, MECs for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation and Education.

The fun filled day ended with a prize giving ceremony to deserving teams. 

Winners of the games are as follows:

Football: 

Gogo’s – Vaal

Ladies – West Rand

2 / 2

Legends – Vaal

Netball:

Informal Settlement – Ekurhuleni

Mixed – Ekurhuleni

Legends – Ekurhuleni

Rugby:

Mixed – Ekurhuleni (Valke)

Ladies – Ekurhuleni (Valke)

Legends – Ekurhuleni (Valke)

Chess: 

Disabled – Sedibeng

Juniors – Ekurhuleni

Seniors – Diaspora Team

 Cricket: 

U16 Boys – West Rand

The David Kekana Memorial trophy which was unveiled by the Premier during the launch of the games went to the legends team under captain Edward “Magents” Motale.