NEWS
KZN Cycling and University of Leeds accept International Award
by Tim Whitfield
DURBAN – KwaZulu-Natal Cycling and the University of Leeds on Thursday jointly received an international award on behalf of the UK-based Bambisanani Partnership for their cycling programme in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
Accepting the award International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year award on Thursday were (from left) Siphamandla Mbhele, Assistant Project Manager for KZN Cycling; Manqoba Bhengu, the Acting Chief Director for Sport Promotion and Development within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; Suzzi Garnett from the University of Leeds; and Alec Lenferna, Chief Executive Officer of KZN Cycling.
KZN Cycling and Leeds University, working together under the Bambisanani Partnership umbrella, accepted the International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year award on Thursday in Newlands East, Durban, for their work teaching young people how to ride and maintain bikes in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
It was the third time the Bambisanani Partnership – a UK-South Africa charity that uses sport and education to transform lives and strengthen communities – has won the award. The recognition this year is for the joint programme undertaken by KZN Cycling and Leeds University in Nkandla.
The Bambisanani Partnership is a multi-award-winning UK-based charity that began as a collaboration between St. Mary's Catholic School in Yorkshire, England, and Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal in 2006. Run entirely by volunteers, the partnership has grown to include more than 60 schools, colleges and universities across the United Kingdom and South Africa, using sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, leadership and global citizenship.
University of Leeds students and staff, partnering with the Bambisanani Partnership and KZN Cycling, at the cycling clinics.
In South Africa, the partnership operates in the Nkandla region, where Bambisanani has partnered with KZN Cycling's internationally-recognised development programme to expand cycling opportunities in one of the country's most remote and disadvantaged communities.
KZN Cycling's province-wide initiative has been strongly supported by the KZN Department of Sports, Arts & Culture for many years. The relationship with the Bambisanani Partnership in Nkandla has changed lives through education, practical skills training, and providing children in particular with improved mobility.
Alec Lenferna, Chief Executive Officer of KZN Cycling, and Suzzi Garnett from the University of Leeds accepted the award on behalf of the Bambisanani Partnership.
"The aim of the KZN Cycling development programme is to try and change people's lives for the better," said Lenferna after receiving the award. "So being able to get the programme going with the Bambisanani Partnership in Nkandla fits in exactly with what we are trying to do and we can only thank people like them and the KZN Department of Sports, Arts & Culture for the opportunity."
Suzzi Garnett from the University of Leeds says the project benefits both the communities and the students who work on the project.
KZN Cycling is growing the sport throughout the province with regular clinics, training programmes and development events.
"Working in partnership with KZN Cycling for the last three years has helped bring our cycling project to new levels," said Garnett. "From one school in the Nkandla region we are able to scale that up through the cycling hub to many schools throughout the year. The impact in South Africa is really clear, and the impact on our students and staff from the UK as they engage with the community is helping them develop their skills and their global awareness. We're providing really meaningful experiences for young people in South Africa and the UK."
Manqoba Bhengu, the Acting Chief Director for Sport Promotion and Development within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, expressed his appreciation for the work done by all the partners in the project.
Skills training is a vital component of the training clinics.
"We just want to take time to appreciate the Bambisanani Partnership and kudos to the team working on this partnership in the province, such as KZN Cycling, as well as all of those that are responsible for its implementation in Nkandla," said Bhengu.
"We really appreciate Leeds University for taking time and obviously being part of this particular initiative in trying to give a platform for our young people in this province in a code that is historically not for them because of the entry barriers.
"We are extremely proud as a provincial government that we are able to help give a platform for this type of programme, working with all the stakeholders and ensuring that we build a brighter future for these young kids."
All photos courtesy of Graham Daniel / KZN Cycling / Gameplan Media
Twenty Years of Hope: The Bambisanani Partnership's Extraordinary Journey
by Dr. Poppy Bhengu
By any measure, twenty years is an extraordinary achievement. For the Bambisanani Partnership, it represents two decades of changing lives, building friendships across continents, and proving that education, sport and compassion can transform communities.
When the Bambisanani Partnership was established by David Geldart in 2006, its vision was simple yet ambitious: to create opportunities for young people in South Africa and the UK to ‘work together and learn together’ through education, sport and meaningful international partnerships.
Twenty years later, that vision has become a remarkable reality.
Over 40,000 young people, from 60 schools, colleges and universities have benefited from programmes that have provided educational support, leadership development, sporting opportunities and hope for a brighter future. Behind every statistic is a personal story—a child who discovered confidence in the classroom, a young athlete who found purpose on the sports field, a student who became the first in their family to attend university, or a future community leader inspired to give back.
What makes Bambisanani unique is that it has never simply been about providing aid. It has always been about partnership; creating change through collaboration and empowerment not charity alone.
The charity's work has been built on mutual respect, shared learning and genuine friendship between schools and communities in the United Kingdom and South Africa. These relationships have enriched everyone involved, demonstrating that lasting change is created when people work alongside one another rather than for one another.
Education has always been the heartbeat of the charity's mission.
Recognising that education offers one of the most powerful routes out of poverty, Bambisanani has invested in programmes that nurture both academic achievement and personal development. Students have been encouraged not only to dream bigger but also to believe those dreams can become reality.
Alongside education, sport has become one of the Partnership's greatest success stories.
Through a wide variety of sporting experiences young people have learned lessons that extend well beyond winning matches. Teamwork, resilience, discipline, respect and leadership have become life skills that continue to shape futures long after the final whistle.
The annual visits between the United Kingdom and South Africa have become life-changing experiences for everyone involved. Young people return home with new perspectives, lifelong friendships and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Many describe these experiences as among the defining moments of their lives.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Bambisanani's story is the dedication of the people behind it.
Teachers, volunteers, trustees, schools, sponsors and supporters have all contributed countless hours over two decades. Their generosity has enabled the charity not simply to survive but to flourish, adapting to changing circumstances while remaining true to its founding principles.
The greatest tribute, however, belongs to the young people whose lives have been transformed.
Many former participants have become teachers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, coaches and community leaders. They are now inspiring the next generation, creating a legacy that extends far beyond the original projects.
As the Bambisanani Partnership celebrates its twentieth anniversary, it does so with immense pride—but not complacency.
There are still challenges to overcome and many more young lives waiting to be transformed. The need for opportunity, hope and educational support remains as important today as it was twenty years ago.
This anniversary is therefore much more than a celebration of the past.
It is a celebration of every child who found confidence.
Every volunteer who gave their time.
Every supporter who believed in the vision.
Every school that opened its doors.
Every friendship that crossed continents.
And every life that has been changed forever.
Twenty years ago, the Bambisanani Partnership planted seeds of hope.
Today, those seeds have grown into a lasting legacy that continues to inspire communities in South Africa and the United Kingdom alike.
The next chapter promises to be every bit as remarkable as the first.
KZN Cycling and Leeds University Honoured With Joint Award For Transforming Lives
by Tim Whitfield
DURBAN – KwaZulu-Natal Cycling and the University of Leeds will next week jointly receive an international award on behalf of the Bambisanani Partnership for their work teaching young people how to ride and maintain bikes in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
KZN Cycling / Gameplan Media
2026 marks the third time the Bambisanani Partnership – a UK-South Africa charity that uses sport and education to transform lives and strengthen communities – has been named the International Sport and Physical Education Charity of the Year. The 2026 award is based entirely on the work undertaken by KZN Cycling in partnership with the University of Leeds, in teaching more than 12,000 young people how to ride and maintain bicycles in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
The Bambisanani Partnership is a multi-award-winning UK-based charity that began as a collaboration between St. Mary's Catholic School in Yorkshire, England, and Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal in 2006 – two schools separated by 9,500 kilometres. Run entirely by volunteers, the partnership has grown to include more than 60 schools, colleges and universities across the United Kingdom and South Africa, using sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, leadership and global citizenship.
KZN Cycling / Gameplan Media
In South Africa, the partnership operates in the Nkandla region, where Bambisanani has partnered with KZN Cycling's internationally-recognised development programme to expand cycling opportunities in some of the country's most remote and disadvantaged communities.
What began as a province-wide cycling initiative by KZN Cycling supported by the KZN Department of Sports, Arts & Culture, now involves The Bambisanani Partnership in Nkandla and has become an internationally recognised programme that is changing lives through practical skills, improved mobility and increased educational opportunities.
KZN Cycling / Gameplan Media
Since joining forces, KZN Cycling and the University of Leeds have developed a sustainable programme in Nkandla that has enabled more than 12,000 young people to learn essential cycling and bicycle maintenance skills, while creating pathways into recreation, transport and sport.
The award recognises not only the scale of the programme but also the strength of a unique international collaboration built on the philosophy of Ubuntu – which means "I am because we are" – where organisations work alongside communities to create lasting opportunities rather than dependency.
The partnership's impact extends far beyond cycling. Since its establishment almost 20 years ago, more than 40,000 young people from the United Kingdom and South Africa have participated in Bambisanani programmes spanning leadership, literacy, numeracy, sport and education. More than £1 million has been raised to support these initiatives, with the overwhelming majority directed towards frontline programmes.
On Thursday, August 13, Alec Lenferna, Chief Executive Officer of KZN Cycling, and Suzzi Garnett from the University of Leeds will receive the award on behalf of the Bambisanani Partnership in recognition of their organisations' leadership in developing and delivering the cycling programme.
While celebrating the international recognition, the partners are already focused on the next phase of development. A major priority over the coming three years will be increasing girls' participation in cycling in the rural Nkandla region through research, innovation and targeted interventions.
Research highlighted by World Bicycle Relief, demonstrates the powerful impact that bicycle access can have for girls in rural communities. Girls with access to bicycles are more likely to arrive at school on time, less likely to be absent or drop out, and face fewer safety concerns when travelling to and from school. These findings reinforce the partnership's own experiences at Mnyakanya School, where improved access to bicycles has contributed to better school attendance and broader personal development.
To support this next chapter, the partnership has appointed its first female cycling coach in Nkandla, working exclusively with women, while respected researcher Dr Poppy Bhengu will assist with research and programme development aimed at identifying and overcoming barriers that prevent girls from participating in cycling.
As the Bambisanani Partnership approaches its 20th anniversary, the latest international award stands as recognition of what can be achieved when education, sport and international collaboration work hand in hand. For KZN Cycling, the University of Leeds and the Bambisanani Partnership, it is not simply an acknowledgement of past success, but motivation to continue expanding opportunities for thousands more young people across rural KwaZulu-Natal.
The Bambisanani Partnership: Changing Lives Through Sport and Education
Now approaching its 20th Anniversary, the Bambisanani Partnership is a multi-award-winning UK based charity that originated as a collaboration between St. Mary’s Catholic School in Menston, Yorkshire, UK and Mnyakanya High School in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in 2006; schools that are 6,000 miles apart. The partnership, which is run entirely by volunteers, uses the power of sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership and has gained international acclaim for its work.
The partnership now involves more than 60 schools and universities in both the UK and South Africa. The University of Leeds and Newcastle College are key members of the partnership. In South Africa, the partnership operates in the Nkandla region which one of most remote and deprived parts of the country with over 40% unemployment and one of highest Aids/HIV rates in the world. ‘Bambisanani’ is a Zulu word meaning ‘working hand in hand’ which aptly encapsulates the philosophy of the partnership which seeks to provide collaborative learning opportunities for young people in both countries. Over the past nineteen years more than 40,000 young people from the UK and South Africa (from primary school to university) have participated in a variety of Bambisanani Partnership programmes and projects including ‘Leadership through Sport’, Sports Festivals’ Cycling to Success’, ‘Literacy through Sport’, ‘Numeracy through Sport’ ‘Art through Sport’, ‘Learning through Football’, ‘International Athletics Challenge’ and the joint training of Physical Education teachers and Sports Coaches.
“The struggle for social and economic justice in South Africa has always owed much to community-to-community links across all boundaries of race, class and nationality. These have brought enduring benefits to all concerned. The Bambisanani Partnership is a shining example of the impact and sustainability of community centred developmental activism over many years and deserves all our thanks, support, and best wishes on its 20th Anniversary!”
The Rt Hon the Lord Boateng CVO formerly Chief Secretary to HM Treasury and British High Commissioner to the RSA (2005-2009)
At the heart of the Bambisanani Partnership is the African philosophy of Ubuntu – “I am because we are” – which recognises our shared humanity and the belief that meaningful change is achieved through mutual respect and reciprocal learning. The charity works alongside communities to build capacity, confidence and sustainable opportunities rather than creating dependency. Through its programmes, participants develop leadership skills, strengthen their wellbeing, and gain a deeper understanding of global citizenship.
The partnership has been recognised for its contribution towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals relating to Health and Education and is a founding member of Sport and Sustainability International. The pioneering work of the partnership has been showcased at conferences throughout the world, most notably at the Global Sport for All Summit held at the Vatican and at the International Olympic Academy. Over £1 million has been raised to facilitate its life changing work with 98.5% of all funding received going directly to support frontline projects and programmes. The charity was named Best International Sport and Physical Education Charity 2023, 2024 and 2026.
By bringing together people from different backgrounds, the partnership creates a myriad opportunities and encounters to learn from others, challenge assumptions, and become active global citizens. This approach has transformed the lives of thousands of participants while fostering long-term friendships, educational opportunities and stronger communities.
Bambisanani perspectives:
“Much of our life in the UK has become obsessed with materialism and ‘celebrity’. We have lost touch with things that really matter. My visit to South Africa has given me a much more meaningful perspective on life.”
“We have worked together…people of different colours, countries, religions and cultures…we have proved it can be done.”
“The Bambisanani Partnership has reminded me why I became a teacher.”
“This partnership has developed some of the best international education programmes and practice in the world.”
“The Bambisanani Partnership is an outstanding example of Olympism in action.”
“The Bambisanani Partnership represents a truly authentic approach to educating children about health, global citizenship and leadership. This inspirational partnership clearly has the power to change lives for the good and develop long-standing friendships across nations. Many schools and universities around the world would benefit from knowing more about this partnership and adopting similar innovative approaches to genuinely enhancing young people’s lives.”
“South Africa has a history of people from abroad attempting to ‘serve’ the local community. Many of these ‘missions’ flounder because they are designed to engender a feeling of goodwill more for the giver than the recipient. Bambisanani – working hand in hand – works because there is neither giver nor receiver. Two groups from different ends of the planet, each borrowing from the culture of the other, forge relationships through the medium of sport, changing perspectives of both from the experience.”
“Being a member of the Bambisanani Partnership can be transformational for schools and learners - we have seen significant improvements in terms of academic success, attendance, enrolment, behaviour, confidence and self-esteem because of the various Bambisanani programmes. We feel connected to a wider world and involved in something bigger than ourselves. Above all this partnership has given us hope and belief. In this partnership we all play our part; we work together and we learn together in the spirit of Ubuntu. Long live Bambisanani!”
Bambisanani succeeds because it combines the power of sport and education with the South African philosophy of Ubuntu, creating genuine partnerships that deliver sustainable impact, transformative learning and exceptional value for every pound invested. The Bambisanani story is testimony of the power of sport and education to change the lives of individuals and communities.
Althaeá’s books bring smiles and hope
Three years ago, Althaeá Dickinson from York learned that children in rural in South Africa were not participating in World Book Day because they did not have books.
Believing strongly that World Book Day should be for ALL the children of the world the then 8-year-old decided to act and do something about this and became the Bambisanani Partnership’s youngest volunteer collecting 1,091 books for South African children. She went on to aquire a further 1,164 books in 2025 and has this year collected 1,610 books which have recently been delivered to some of the most deprived schools and children in rural KwaZulu-Natal by Bambisanani teams from St. Mary’s School, Menston and Newcastle College who promote literacy during their visits. Recipients of books included Ntolwane Primary School, Vumanhlamvu Primary School, Ngqamzana Primary School, Mnyakanya Secondary School and the Zulufadder’s Doremi Crèche and Daycare Centre. Rural KwaZulu-Natal faces huge challenges in terms of adult and child illiteracy and its extensive negative implications. Lack of resources in some schools remains a key issue. Althaeá has now provided 3,865 books which are all helping in a small but significant way to improve the life chances of the children involved.
William Vilakazi, Principal of Vumanhlamvu Primary School said, “We have received books from Althaeá for three years now and they have made a huge contribution to education in my school improving reading, writing and listening skills. This builds confidence and helps learners across the curriculum. My learners are amazed that someone so young can organise these books from the UK; Althaeá inspires and empowers them because they know that a young person like them can bring about change and do things for others.”
Catherine Chattoe, Bambisanani Coordinator at St. Mary’s School commented, “It is difficult to express how important and how valued these books are – we see children so excited by the books that they hug them like teddy bears and ask if they can keep them. Althaeá wites messages in the books which further connects this fantastic project.”
Brogan O’Connor from Newcastle College added “I have seen the impact of these books on both the educators and learners. The children are so keen to learn and love the books. Many adults recognise injustices in the world and would like to do something about them …most never do anything. Althaeá just gets on with it – she is amazing!”
A message to Althaeá from Nick Phillips of the Zulufadder Children’s Trust said
“What an extraordinary young lady you are! We in Zulufadder, Eshowe have been blessed to receive children's books from you in 2024, 2025 and 2026 that have been allocated to our rural creche in uMlalazi that is managed by the equally extraordinary Popi Buthelezi. You have quite rightly identified that possibly the greatest contributor to learning in young people is exposure to books. Especially books that encourage and stimulate the imagination. It is really hard for our rural children to imagine that there is a better life out there if they aim for it, as they know little else but poverty and, certainly, they could never imagine going into a book shop to buy a colourful book. So, you have achieved a number of special things. Happiness and escape into the many stories contained in the books. Exposure to people, places and animals that the children have never encountered before. Instilling a sense of hope, excitement and anticipation, that there are opportunities out there if only they persevere. And so Althaeá, I know you are not looking for thanks, but we do so thank you anyway, as we know how hard you have worked to make this project happen, and you can be sure that you have many fans here in Zululand, South Africa, because of it.”
Althaeá raises money to buy books, but most books are donated to her from Book Shops, other organisations and individuals: she would like to thank everyone that has helped her this year especially Catherine Chattoe; Brogan O’Connor; Kate Sayers; Sue Rix, The Grove Bookshop, Ilkley; Kemps Book Shop, Malton; TGJ Jones, Ilkley; Otley Lions; Rotary Club of Aireborough; Saltaire Primary School; the Sisters of Mercy and the parishioners of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher Church in Burley in Wharfedale.
Literacy should not be a luxury of the privileged few it should be an entitlement for all. The Bambisanani Partnership is grateful to Althaeá for reminding us of this and for doing something about it to make the world a better place. The remarkable 10-year-old has already started collecting books for 2027!
If you can support this fantastic project in any way, please contact the Bambisanani Partnership.
“Literacy could be the ladder out of poverty.”
“Literacy is the bridge from misery to hope.”
“Once you learn to read you will be forever free.”
Related:
8-year-old Althaeá makes a world of difference (24/06/2024)
Althaeá’s books make a real difference in South Africa (06/07/2025)
Newcastle College: changing the lives of young people in Newcastle and South Africa
More than 800 South African children benefited from a life-changing international volunteering programme as Newcastle College students returned from their fourth annual visit to KwaZulu-Natal.
Students and staff from Newcastle College and Newcastle College University Centre have returned from South Africa after spending three weeks volunteering through the Bambisanani Partnership, using the power of sport to inspire young people while developing their own leadership, confidence and employability skills.
The team of 12 students; Cara Meakin, Daniel Barrett, Egor Mihins, Freya Maun, Harry Ainscough, Jonathan Mooney, Kacey Southgate, Katie McAlpine, Lilly Hudspith, Olivia Hollister, Reshna Begum and Sofia Martin, accompanied by Sport Lecturer and Bambisanani Trustee Brogan O'Connor and Enrichment and Development Manager Barry Rizza, travelled for more than 30 hours to Eshowe in rural KwaZulu-Natal, where they delivered sports coaching, leadership workshops and educational activities to children aged between one and 18.
Working across Matholamnyama Secondary School, Ngqamzana Primary School, Thembimfundo Special School and Doremi Day Care Centre for orphans and vulnerable children, the group engaged with 846 children through sport, helping to develop teamwork, communication, confidence and leadership skills.
For many of the Newcastle students, the experience proved just as transformative as the impact they made overseas.
Kacey Southgate, a Level 4 Airline and Airport Management student, said:
"My trip to South Africa was one of the most rewarding, unforgettable and life-changing experiences I have ever had. Although we were there to teach, I feel that I learned just as much from the children through their resilience, positivity and appreciation for every opportunity. The experience challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and reminded me that making a difference doesn't always require big gestures. Sometimes giving your time, energy and support can have the greatest impact."
Level 3 Sport Coaching and Development student Daniel Barrett added:
"This trip has changed how I see both the world and myself. It has made me appreciate what I have and inspired me to continue helping others wherever I can. I'll always be grateful to everyone who made this opportunity possible because it has genuinely changed my life."
One of the most memorable moments came during the team's visit to Doremi Day Care Centre, where they spent time reading with children using books donated through fundraising efforts in the UK, led by 10-year-old Althaeá Dickenson from York. Alongside games, dancing and sports activities, the students also distributed toothbrushes and toothpaste they had collected before travelling and helped many of the children brush their teeth for the first time.
During the second week, the group returned to Ngqamzana Primary School, where they delivered sports sessions to nearly 500 learners across five days. With physical education not part of the school's regular curriculum, the sessions focused on fundamental movement, teamwork, communication and confidence while encouraging children to enjoy being physically active.
Their week concluded with an emotional farewell ceremony featuring traditional songs and dances performed by the learners before Newcastle College students returned the gesture with their own performance.
The programme also brought together volunteers from Newcastle College, Newcastle College Sixth Form and St. Mary's School, Menston, for a sports festival at Thembimfundo Special School. More than 250 learners participated in activities including boccia, javelin, parachute games and team challenges, creating a day filled with laughter, inclusion and celebration.
In the final week, Newcastle College students worked alongside 24 learners at Matholamnyama Secondary School to develop leadership skills before supporting them to organise and deliver their own sports festival for local primary schools.
Alongside the impact in South Africa, the programme delivered measurable benefits for the Newcastle College students themselves. Before and after the visit, participants assessed their confidence across ten key employability skills, including communication, leadership, teamwork, problem solving and organisation. Every skill area improved by at least 26.5%, with one student reporting an overall increase of 74% in self-perceived employability skills.
Mr Ngeleka, Principal of Matholamnyama Secondary School, said:
"Thank you for sharing your time, knowledge and kindness with our learners. The lessons you have taught about leadership, honesty and caring will stay with them long after you return home. I am confident that many of you will go on to become leaders in your schools, communities and countries."
Brogan O'Connor, Sport Lecturer at Newcastle College and Bambisanani Trustee, said:
"This trip is always one of the highlights of the academic year. Every year our students return home with greater confidence, resilience, leadership skills and a much broader perspective of the world. While they make a remarkable difference to the lives of hundreds of young people in South Africa, they are equally transformed by the experience themselves. It represents everything international education should be, and I couldn't be prouder of what this group has achieved."
Barry Rizza, Enrichment and Development Manager at Newcastle College, added:
"Watching 12 students who had never worked together before develop into a confident, supportive and high-performing team has been one of the proudest moments of my career. In just a few weeks they demonstrated leadership, adaptability and professionalism in an unfamiliar environment, representing Newcastle College with maturity and compassion. The skills they have gained will stay with them for the rest of their lives, both personally and professionally. This is exactly what enrichment should achieve - taking young people beyond the classroom and helping them realise their full potential."
Let’s celebrate 20 years of the Bambisanani Partnership!
We are delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for this special occasion celebrating two decades of collaboration, global learning, and transformational impact.
This memorable evening will take place at Headingley Stadium, bringing together our alumni, partners, supporters, and friends for a night of celebration and connection.
To register your interest for a seat or table, please contact:
Catherine Chattoe c.chattoe@stmarysmenston.org
or Brogan O’Connor: brogan.oconnor@ncl-coll.ac.uk
Please would you be kind enough to share details of this very special event with any of your friends and colleagues who you think might be interested. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you.
Bambisanani team wish Matt ‘Good Luck’ in Wembley Final
Members of the Bambisanani team in the UK and South Africa are wishing Matt Crooks and his team Hull City AFC all the very of luck in the Championship Play Off Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 23 May.
Professional footballer Matt is a supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership and last year travelled to South Africa with a team of volunteers from St. Mary’s School, Menston. Whilst in South Africa Matt organised two highly successful football tournaments in the deprived Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal. Matt also spent time at Vumanhlamvu Primary School who present three sports awards annually in memory of Matt’s friend and former St. Mary’s student Jordan Sinnott.
Mrs Catherine Chattoe, Bambisanani coordinator at St. Mary’s said, “ Matt is a great supporter of the partnership and made a fantastic contribution as a volunteer in South Africa last year. Mnyakanya School and Vumanhlamvu School, where he organised competitions, have both sent messages wishing Matt and Hull City the very best of luck in the game. I’m sure that they will all be trying to find a TV on the day to watch the match full of Zulu enthusiasm!”
Together Everyone Achieves More
One of the great strengths of the Bambisanani Partnership is the charity’s network of organisations, community groups and individuals from the UK and South Africa who are committed to working together to deliver needs led initiatives in some of the most remote and challenging rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal.
Over recent months a large shipment of sports kit, clothing, books and sanitary products that were donated in the UK has been distributed to various schools, nonprofit organisations and community groups in South Africa. Contained in over 80 large boxes and weighing over a ton, the goods were transported free of charge by long term Bambisanani supporters The Cardinal Group who also donated 2,000 sports shirts.
More than 2,000 football shirts were also provided by the charity Kit Aid run by Derrick Williams. Sanitary products and reading books were also donated by schools, companies and individuals. Bambisanani team members Barbara Pounder, Catherine Chattoe, Brogan O’Connor and David Farmer were responsible for the huge task of sourcing, storing and transporting the items in the UK. In South Africa the logistics and distribution were organised by long term Bambisanani friend, Nick Phillips from Eshowe Rotary Club and the nonprofit organisation of Zulufadder that focuses on education and sustainable projects for children and youth in South Africa.
Nick’s team then went into action sorting all the items and distributing them to locally led initiatives where they would have the greatest impact. Part of the team sorting the boxes were three ladies from Norway who were volunteering at Zulufadder: Janne Skarpeid Hermansen, Helle Rohrt and Gunn Skarpeid. The distribution team included Sivlia Hellesvik and Normvula Ngema from Zulufadder, Gugu Mhlongo from the Lutheran Mission in Ntumeni, Trevlyn Palframan a local Eshowe man active in rural support and Siyabonga Ngubane, PK Zondi and Mazet Langa from Mnyakanya High School.
Nick Philips has said: “This example of working together was responsible for the universal happiness among the recipients especially the sports kit which was very well received.”
Gugu Mhlongo spoke of the “the amazing gratitude when people receive from the unseen, unknown, unexpected hand. There is hope because people live in hope.” Gugu works for an organisation called Uthando House where she runs Youth Leadership workshops and her dream is for everyone to ‘remember their GREATNESS.’
Mrs Barbara Pounder who coordinated this project added: “As a result of this huge international cooperation thousands of children, young people and women have had their lives positively impacted. This large shipment of items will facilitate a range of community led initiatives promoting sport, education and dignity. Locally delivered projects empower communities through shared ownership and capacity building. The 6,101 miles travelled, the volunteer hours needed and the generosity of everyone involved is ‘practical greatness’ and testament to the philosophy of the Bambisanani family who continue to ‘work together’ to make the world a slightly better place; we can certainly all achieve more by working together.”
Related article:
Thank You to The Cardinal Partnership (10/09/2025)
Bambisanani Fundraising Lunch 2026 at Uyare Restaurant
Please contact Catherine Chattoe to book tickets
c.chattoe@stmarysmenston.org 01943 88 3000
We will be holding both an Auction and Raffle on the day so items for both would be gratefully received. No item would be too small or too large – from bottles of wine to weekends away every item will help us raise much needed funds for our ambitious 2026 programme.