Johannesburg - On 28 March 2019, Gauteng Premier, David Makhura hosted a media briefing in order to promote the third installment of the Premier’s Social Cohesion Games under the theme “Unity in Diversity” at Cine Centre, Killarney Mall. 

The Games will commence on Sunday, 31 March and end on Sunday, 14 April 2019, which will be hosted in Westbury, Johannesburg. The tournament comprises of social 7-a-side football games, which will see former footballers and players over the age of 35, ladies from age of 25 and elderly people (above the age of 60) participating in the games. Moreover, the games seek to promote social cohesion between South Africans and other African people residing in the country. As a result, all regions will include a national team from various African Countries as well as a team made up of different religions and nationalities. 

These games are the results of the collaboration between the provincial government of Gauteng, the Hellenic Italian and Portuguese (HIP) Alliance aimed at promoting social cohesion, nation building and mobilizing citizens and communities against racism and xenophobia in the Gauteng Province. 

During his address, Makhura emphasised that;

He further went on say that; 

The games are set to host some of local football’s greatest players such as the former African Footballer of the Year and former Zambian International, Kalusha Bwalya, former Bafana captain Lucas Radebe, Doctor Khumalo, Maimane Phiri, Portia Modise, Jabu Mahlangu, and Steve Lekoelea, to mention a few!

Lastly, in conjunction with the games, an anti-racism conference will be hosted on the 12 April 2019. The aim is root out racism in not only sports but the greater community of Gauteng and South Africa at large. 

-JP