City of Johannesburg Member of Mayoral Committee for Community Development Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba was beaming with pride at the launch of the newly revamped Jabavu basketball courts in Soweto on 2 August 2018.
Speaking at the launch, MMC Sifumba extended her gratitude towards world renowned National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar, Carmelo Anthony, who initiated this philanthropic project through his Carmelo Anthony Foundation.
“Let us all as residents of Soweto and Johannesburg at large thank this giant of a man, a giant in stature and at heart. We thank you for considering Soweto to launch your initiative of empowering the youth through sport and education. There are many underdeveloped sporting infrastructure but you chose this specific area to work with the City, and it will indeed prove to be a worthy investment.”
The MMC further encouraged the youth who will benefit from this state of the art court to never disappoint the people who are helping nurture their talent.
“Take care of this place, ensure that it is in good state at all times to encourage more people like Carmelo Anthony to invest in you. There are not many people with such good hearts in this world, therefore, let us show potential investors that this is a great place to invest in all kinds of ways,” concluded MMC Sifumba.
Affectionately known as Melo in the basketball fraternity, Carmelo thanked the City of Johannesburg for allowing him to launch his project in the City. “Thank you Johannesburg for allowing me to launch my foundation, in Africa, in your City. This is the start of something big for our foundation, and what a better place to launch it than the world famous Soweto.
“I first came to this country as a tourist and I immediately saw an opportunity to give back. Giving back to disadvantaged communities is easy for me, coming from a very similar place to get to where I am.
“Let us all enjoy the sport of basketball, but always bear in mind that education always comes first. It is great playing in the NBA but it requires hard work, dedication and a bit of luck to break into this association. Always have something to fall back on, basketball is not forever. Enjoy this courts, own it, take care of it and allow future stars to be nurtured here,” concluded Carmelo.
