A proud moment for Masiphumelele High School as they receive the first ever set of rugby posts in
Masiphumelele donated to the school by The Atlas Foundation.

After working with the school for over a year with The Atlas All Schools Programme, there was every
good reason to aim high and set up a rugby field with new rugby posts firmly in place.

Covid-19 brought an abrupt halt to Atlas coaching sessions, and this energy was quickly directed to
distributing masks, food vouchers and sanitizers to the children along with moral support from the
Atlas coaches to keep spirits up. Attention was diverted to the sandy grass field at the school and it
gave purpose and meaning to clear the field and get something ready for when the green light is given,
once again, for team sport participation.

The task done, it was appropriate to officially hand over the new rugby posts and marked pitch to the
Principal of Masiphumelele High School, Mr M’Africa on Mandela Day. He was joined by his Head of
rugby, Mr Stofile and together they offered up their heart-warming thanks for the recognition and
support at the school. Notably, the Principal has agreed to the rugby field being a safe place to welcome
other schools to regular rugby matches giving the community the opportunity to support the games.
The Atlas Foundation, founded by Jason Leonard OBE, operates in 16 countries around the globe
working with over 50 000 children. Championed by rugby legends across the continents, Atlas Africa
is fortunate to enjoy the support of legends like John Smit, Joel Stransky, Percy Montgomery, Nick
Mallett, Bob Skinstad, Humphrey Kayange, John Le Roux and others who embrace the Atlas mission
of providing children with a chance to thrive.

With a generous donation from the directors at Quantity Surveying Solutions (www.qs-solutions.co.za) for the rugby posts and a likewise contribution from the Rolf-Stephan Nussbaum
Foundation it made the project achievable. Both entities see the enormous impact of rugby values
and how these principles are a guiding force for these youngsters to be the best people they can be.

The Masiphumelele Community is a rugby loving community, with many of the original community
formerly from the Eastern Cape where rugby is a religion. There is a great story behind the founders
of rugby in Masi who were determined to establish rugby for the future generation and they keenly
gathered on any available space to keep the sport going. “The Atlas Foundation has now created a
field that brings dignity and pride to the players and everything to play for at their school. Long may
this legacy and passion of rugby live on in Masi” says Sue Anderson who heads up The Atlas
Foundation Africa in SA.

If you would like to join the Atlas Africa journey in any way by means of your time, contribution or
sponsorship, we guarantee life changing moments for all. Please make contact with us at
suea[email protected] and let’s walk this journey together.