Date of Event: 9 December 2025
Location: Vhembe District, Tshitale
Hosted in Partnership With:
DSAC Vhembe District | Makhado Municipality | Vhembe District Municipality | Senior Traditional Councils | Mphaphuli Town | Rofhiwa Manwadu Foundation | SK Sports, Arts & Culture Foundation | Rembuluwani Ndou (Biokinetics) | Wisani Burial Society
A Powerful Community Moment
On 9 December 2025, the Vhembe District came alive with excitement, happiness, and unity as the Vhembe District Tshitale Elderly Soccer Tournament 2025 took place. This meaningful event brought together government departments, communities, traditional leaders, and foundations for a shared purpose: promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle for all South Africans.
The tournament forms part of the national I Choose 2 B Active Programme, which aims to inspire 27 million South Africans to engage in regular physical activity by 2030. The broader goal is to reduce national obesity levels by 50% and lower the financial strain caused by obesity-related illnesses, potentially saving South Africa R6.4 billion annually.
Our organisation had the honour of attending, participating, and capturing the event.
The atmosphere was electric—filled with joy as elderly men and women proudly demonstrated that age is never a barrier to strength, passion, or active living.
Unity, Soccer & Royal Honour
The tournament was deeply honoured by the presence of the Royal Council of Venda and the Mphaphuli Royal Family. Their attendance brought cultural significance and leadership to the event, and their dedication to community upliftment was felt throughout the day.
Elderly teams—some players in their 60s, others proudly in their 70s and 80s—played with incredible heart. Watching them run, pass, defend, celebrate, and encourage each other was an inspiring reminder of the power of sports to bring people together.
Spectators young and old gathered around the field, cheering, singing, ululating, and celebrating every moment. The event strongly aligned with the programme’s core objectives:
- Promote lifelong participation in sports
- Encourage healthy living
- Support nation building
- Embrace cultural diversity
- Promote social cohesion
- Provide recreational opportunities for everyone
- Encourage personal development through physical activity
The coordination from hosting partners—DSAC, municipalities, traditional councils, and supporting organisations—was exceptional. Every element ran smoothly, creating a day that will be remembered for years.
A Beautiful Celebration & A Bright Future
As the matches continued, the field was full of joy. Every goal was followed by laughter and applause; every stumble was met with helping hands; every team carried pride for its community. This was more than a tournament—it was unity in motion, health in action, and culture expressed through sport.
The day ended with medal presentations, group photos, and celebrations. However, the real achievement was seeing our elders—grandparents, community leaders, role models—living actively, happily, and proudly.
For our organisation, it was a privilege to stand alongside community members, participants, municipal leaders, and the Royal Council. The memories created on this day highlight just how important it is to invest in community sport and recreational programmes.
Looking Ahead
This event marks another strong step forward for community sport in Vhembe. With the continued involvement of DSAC, municipalities, traditional councils, and foundations, we are confident that even more impactful programmes will follow.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every partner, volunteer, participant, and supporter who helped make this incredible day a success.
I Choose 2 B Active” — and we encourage the whole nation to join us
THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY PRIDE
One of the most powerful elements of the Vhembe District Tshitale Elderly Soccer Tournament 2025, held on 9 December 2025, was the strong presence and support from our Senior Traditional Councils and the Mphaphuli Royal Family. Their involvement elevated the event beyond sport and into a celebration of culture, leadership, and unity.
Traditional leadership has always played a crucial role in guiding communities, preserving values, and inspiring development — and this event made that clear. Their speeches encouraged the elderly to remain active, reminded the youth to honour their roots, and reinforced a message that a strong nation begins with strong communities.
The presence of the Royal Council also strengthened the relationship between cultural leadership and modern initiatives like the I Choose 2 B Active Programme. It showed that health, unity, and progress are shared priorities across generations.
The overwhelming participation from villages, local organisations, and families showcased pride in heritage and pride in health. Many elderly participants expressed joy that their efforts were recognised, and that the community stood behind them.
STORIES OF INSPIRATION FROM OUR ELDERS
Beyond the matches, the day was filled with moving stories that touched the hearts of everyone present.
We met grandfathers who played football in their youth and never thought they would get the chance to put on their boots again. We met grandmothers who said they joined “just for fun”, only to surprise everyone with their energy and determination. Some participants mentioned that preparing for this tournament helped them lose weight, move better, and feel younger.
These personal stories highlight why this tournament is more than an event — it’s a lifestyle campaign, a message that ageing should never stop one from being active, confident, or happy.
Many elders said:
- “We feel alive again.”
- “This took me back to my younger days.”
- “We want more events like this.”
- “This is good for our health and our hearts.”
There were moments that brought laughter and moments that brought tears. The emotions shared on the field reminded everyone that sport is not only about competition — it is about healing, connecting, and celebrating life.
THE FUTURE OF THE TOURNAMENT & OUR COMMITMENT
The success of the 2025 Vhembe District Tshitale Elderly Soccer Tournament has set a powerful foundation for the future.
Given the overwhelming turnout, the organisation, the joy from participants, and the value brought to the community, discussions have already begun about making this tournament an annual flagship event in the district.
Future plans include:
- More teams from surrounding villages
- Additional sporting activities for elders
- Wellness workshops
- On-site health screenings
- Larger audience participation
- Increased sponsorship and community involvement
- Opportunities for youth involvement as volunteers and supporters
Our organisation remains fully committed to supporting events that uplift our communities and promote healthy living. Being part of this initiative has strengthened our passion for development, unity, and nation building.
A Message of Gratitude
We extend our sincere thanks to:
- DSAC
- Makhado Municipality
- Vhembe District Municipality
- Senior Traditional Councils
- Mphaphuli Royal Family
- Rofhiwa Manwadu Foundation
- SK Sports, Arts & Culture Foundation
- Rembuluwani Ndou (Biokinetics)
- Wisani Burial Society
- Every volunteer, participant, and spectator
This event proved that when a community stands together, incredible things happen.
Takalani R euben Mashamba
on said
With this is initiative, the DSAC has become more and more socially relevant. Keep the good work.