PeacePlayers South Africa Storybook FINAL - Flipbook - Page 72
III. LOVE FOR GOGO
Simamukele was walking by Itumeleng’s house one day when his family was
washing the carpet. As she saw Simamukele pass by their house, Itumeleng's Gogo
called him in to help wash the carpet. Since then, Simamukele humorously says
that he has chosen not to walk by Itumeleng’s house again. They will simply meet
at the basketball court now. The place where they can control the tempo, with no
Gogo’s requesting them to clean carpets. They sometimes laugh about cleaning
those carpets together, and it’s a memory they will never forget.
When taking a look back on their life’s journey so far, and seeing how
PeacePlayers and basketball are intertwined, they are happy to have another
family in PeacePlayers. Itumeleng feels “PeacePlayers changed my life and
made me feel important as if I was a star” when reflecting on his Leadership
Development Programme experience. He’s relatively new to PeacePlayers
programmes and is the youngest LDP participant. He recently attended the
Friendship Games in the Middle East in August 2022.
Simamukele started in the programme years ago, early in his primary school years.
He now attends Northwood High School in Durban North on a full basketball
scholarship. He’s the youngest to ever receive a scholarship to play basketball
at the school. Simamukele recently made the all-star game at the premiere u15
basketball event in South Africa, the St John's College tournament. His sister,
Olwethu Vacu, a PeacePlayer alumnus, says she is "a proud big sister to see him
following in my footsteps. We'll continue to strive for greatness."
Simamukele and Itumeleng's growth within the game, as friends, and as
PeacePlayers participants will continue to develop. Simamukele’s experience
through PeacePlayers enabled him to receive a scholarship, make new friends,
and teach the game to peers. Two young players from Umlazi, supported by their
Gogo’s, have a bright future ahead of them on and off the court.
70
PEACEPLAYERS SOUTH AFRICA STORYBOOK
