South Africa’s Sporting Marvel and Global Recognition

by
3 mins read
south africa laureus sport for good award

Justice Desk Africa has been nominated for the prestigious Laureus Sport for Good Award, recognising programs worldwide that use sport to empower young people. Justice Desk Africa is one of six shortlisted for the 2024 award, with the winner to be announced on April 22 by the Laureus World Sports Academy. The nomination is a tribute to the organisation’s transformative work and the tireless spirit of everyday activism it nurtures.

Justice Desk Africa: Nominee for the Laureus Sport for Good Award

Justice Desk Africa, a Cape Town-based youth empowerment organization, has been nominated for the prestigious Laureus Sport for Good Award. The award recognizes over 300 programs worldwide that use sports as a tool to help young people overcome challenges such as violence, inequality, and prejudice. The winner will be announced on April 22 by the Laureus World Sports Academy. JDA is one of six inspirational programs shortlisted for the highly coveted 2024 Laureus Sport for Good Award.

Following a year filled with remarkable sporting success, South Africa is once again relishing international commendation. A Cape Town-based youth empowerment entity, Justice Desk Africa (JDA), has been distinguished as a nominee for the prestigious Laureus Sport for Good Award. This nomination situates JDA amidst an impressive coterie of fellow South African nominees, further adding sparkle to the country’s victorious sporting season.

The Laureus Awards, determined via international media voting, are widely regarded as the pinnacle of recognition in the sports world. The Laureus Sport for Good initiative lends its support to over 300 programs worldwide, using sport as an effective tool to help young people surmount challenges like violence, inequality, and prejudice. Six inspirational programs, including Justice Desk Africa, have made it to the shortlist for the highly coveted 2024 Laureus Sport for Good Award.

The ceremony for announcing the victors, picked from six nominees in each category, is an eagerly anticipated event. Set for April 22, the Laureus World Sports Academy, an eminent sports jury comprising 69 sports luminaries, will select the winner.

Justice Desk Africa: Activism through Sports

Established in 2013, the JDA is an esteemed human rights organization operating across several African countries. Its primary mission is to instill the essence of everyday activism through educational and training opportunities, exemplifying the transformative power of sport as a medium for advocacy and societal change.

JDA finds itself in the company of other incredible programs. One such program is Bola Pra Frente, which leverages sport to teach life skills and empower the youth in Rio de Janeiro. The category also hails the Fundación Rafa Nadal, which blends sport and education to strengthen underprivileged youth in Spain and India, and Dancing Grounds, a New Orleans-based initiative that connects dance, creativity, and social justice.

The category is rounded off with nominations for ISF Cambodia and Obiettivo Napoli. While ISF Cambodia works tirelessly to provide a way out of poverty for inhabitants of urban slums and rural communities, Obiettivo Napoli supports over 100 boys and girls experiencing exclusion and economic hardship in the Italian city.

South Africa’s Celebratory Moment

JDA’s nomination is not the only cause for celebration in South Africa. Following their historic World Cup win against New Zealand, the Springboks, South Africa’s rugby team, have been nominated for this year’s Laureus World Team of the Year Award. Siya Kolisi, the brave captain who steered the team to victory despite a partial ligament tear, has been nominated for the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award. Kirsten Neuschȁfer, the first woman to win a solo round-the-world race via the three Great Capes, secured a nomination for the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award in another groundbreaking achievement.

The Power of Sports for Social Change

In light of these victories, the Justice Desk Africa proudly stands shoulder to shoulder with its contemporaries, exemplifying sports’ immense power not just as a showcase for physical abilities, but as a catalyst for societal change. The program’s nomination is a tribute to its transformative work and the tireless spirit of everyday activism it nurtures. South Africa continues to prove, through its lauded athletes and programs, that sports’ influence extends well beyond the field, impacting advocacy, societal change, and human empowerment.

1. What is the Laureus Sport for Good Award?

The Laureus Sport for Good Award is an award that recognizes over 300 programs worldwide that use sports as a tool to help young people overcome challenges such as violence, inequality, and prejudice.

2. What is Justice Desk Africa?

Justice Desk Africa is a Cape Town-based youth empowerment organization that uses sports as a medium for advocacy and societal change.

3. What is JDA’s mission?

JDA’s primary mission is to instill the essence of everyday activism through educational and training opportunities, exemplifying the transformative power of sport as a medium for advocacy and societal change.

4. What are some of the other nominees for the Laureus Sport for Good Award?

Some of the other nominees for the Laureus Sport for Good Award include Bola Pra Frente, Fundación Rafa Nadal, Dancing Grounds, ISF Cambodia, and Obiettivo Napoli.

5. Who else from South Africa has been nominated for Laureus Awards?

The Springboks, South Africa’s rugby team, have been nominated for this year’s Laureus World Team of the Year Award, and Siya Kolisi, the team’s captain, has been nominated for the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award. Kirsten Neuschȁfer, the first woman to win a solo round-the-world race, has been nominated for the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award.

6. What is the significance of sports for social change?

Sports have the power not just as a showcase for physical abilities, but as a catalyst for societal change. Programs like Justice Desk Africa use sports as a medium for advocacy and societal change, and South Africa continues to prove that sports’ influence extends well beyond the field, impacting advocacy, societal change, and human empowerment.

Tags:

You might be interested in

View all
south africa human rights council
Previous Story

The Upholding of Human Rights: South Africa’s Stance at the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council

disability rights inclusive policies
Next Story

“South Africa’s Strides Towards Disability Rights: An Emphasis on Inclusive Policies”

Latest from Blog

firefighters community outreach

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Firefighters Bring Joy to Children

In December 2024, firefighters brightened the holidays for children in care facilities by delivering wrapped gifts with big smiles. Partnering with Pick n Pay, they spread joy and gratitude after receiving support during a tough summer of wildfires. Each visit was a heartwarming reminder of kindness, as firefighters became symbols of generosity, teaching kids about empathy and community spirit. This joyful initiative shows how simple acts of giving can light up lives and strengthen bonds in the community.

justice gender-based violence

A Persistent Nightmare in Embalenhle: Justice Served

In Embalenhle, South Africa, a dark nightmare unfolded as Themba Prince Shongwe committed terrible crimes, including rapes and murders, from 2016 to 2018. The community lived in fear as he targeted innocent girls, causing heartbreak and loss. Finally, justice was served when he was found guilty and sentenced to nine life terms in prison, bringing relief to the grieving families and a sense of safety back to the community. This victory shines a light on the importance of standing against violence and working together to protect the vulnerable.

street lighting community safety

Illuminating Cape Town: Lighting Up Safety and Community

Cape Town’s streetlight program shines brightly as it manages over 245,000 lights, making the city safer and more inviting, especially during the festive season. The community plays a vital role by reporting issues and staying alert, working together to protect these lights from theft and vandalism. With a focus on sustainability, the city is switching to energyefficient LEDs, reducing its environmental impact while keeping streets welllit. This initiative not only lights up the city but also brings people together, creating a warm and safe atmosphere that showcases Cape Town’s beauty at night.

housing development community empowerment

A Beacon of Hope: Gugulethu’s New Housing Project

The Gugulethu Infill Housing Project is bringing joy and hope to the community of Gugulethu, South Africa, by building 52 new homes for deserving families. This celebration marks a fresh start for many, especially the elderly and middleaged residents who finally have a safe place to call home. As they move in, they not only gain shelter but also a sense of belonging and stability. This project symbolizes the community’s strength and resilience, showing that together, they can overcome challenges and build a brighter future. The new homes are more than just buildings; they represent dreams coming true and a promise of better days ahead.

colonel celeste van der klashorst gender-based violence

Championing Justice: The Journey of Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst

Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst is a fearless leader in South Africa’s fight against violence and crime, especially those targeting women and children. With over thirty years of service, she created Child Protection Units and now leads the National SECI Unit, tackling serious issues like serial rape and child pornography. Her team’s recent success in a major operation has led to arrests and rescued children, showing the powerful impact of her work. Colonel van der Klashorst inspires others with her passion for justice, making her a shining example of hope and resilience in the battle for a safer society.