​Last Friday evening 16 May 2025, a spirited sports team comprising dedicated public servants from the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) made their way to Limpopo’s Phalaborwa to proudly represent the Department in the Inter-Departmental Sports Tournament. Hosted by Mopani South East TVET College, the games took place at the Sir Val Duncan Campus sports fields.

The tournament aimed to promote employee wellness through active participation in sports, helping public servants manage stress, build camaraderie, and establish meaningful interdepartmental relationships that enhance knowledge sharing and improve service delivery.

Participating teams included Mopani TVET College (Phalaborwa), Letaba TVET College, Limpopo COGSTA, and GDSD, with competitions in soccer, netball, volleyball, and chess. Despite spending more time on the road than on the field, the GDSD team show cased unity, resilience, and true sportsmanship, which paid off with outstanding results:

Soccer(Over40):GDSD defeated Limpopo COGSTA 2–1 in the finals.
Soccer(Under40):GDSD triumphed over Mopani TVET College 3–1.
Netball(Over40):GDSD out played Mopani TVET College to win the finals.
Netball(Under40):GDSD beat Limpopo COGSTA in the final round.
Men’s Volleyball: GDSD emerged victorious against Mopani TVET College.
Women’s Volleyball: GDSD was defeated by Limpopo COGSTA.
 
The event also featured a wellness component, with health workers on-site offering medical consultations to players and spectators alike, reinforcing the tournament’s goal of holistic well-being.

“We came here to represent our department in sports competitions, and we are highly motivated by our desire to remain healthy and fit despite our ages and demanding work schedules. Sports are key to ensuring that we remain productive in delivering services,” said Emmanuel Mafokene, GDSD Sports Provincial Secretary.

Beyond the medals and trophies, the games fostered a renewed spirit of enthusiasm and well-being among the participants. The GDSD team remains committed to using sports as a tool to boost morale, relieve stress, and keep the winning spirit alive, both on the field and in their daily work.