A team from Nelson Mandela University’s Department of Human Movement Science is delivering sports, nutrition and teacher support to under-resourced primary schools to develop stronger, healthier and more confident learners.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (01 February 2026) – Every child deserves the chance to run, play, and just be a kid. But for many learners in under-resourced schools, a simple game of soccer or a structured PE class is often a luxury they can’t afford – falling to the bottom of the priority list beneath more urgent needs.
Knowing well the benefits sport and physical activity can have on young children, and that sport isn’t just about winning games, but about building brains, bodies, and self-esteem, a team from Nelson Mandela University’s Department of Human Movement Science rolled out the Siyaphakama Project.
Based in Zwide, Gqeberha, this project is doing much more than handing out balls. They are on the ground delivering physical activity, nutrition, education and mentorship to develop stronger, healthier and more confident learners.
The initiative supports six primary schools in Zwide, where learners and teachers receive support through quality physical education, workplace wellness and nutrition programmes. These are developed in collaboration with the Kolisi Foundation, Ubuntu Pathways, United Through Sport and Mandela University.
“Siyaphakama was born from the need to address the many challenges that young people in under-resourced areas face, from malnutrition and poor access to sport facilities, to limited opportunities for physical activity,” explains Dr Danielle Dolley, Postdoctoral Research Fellow and South African Project Coordinator of KaziBantu at Mandela University.
Movement That Brings Real Change
Movement is at the heart of the project because it heals, connects and teaches. Teachers and sports coordinator interns are trained through a short learning programme to deliver quality physical education even in resource-constrained schools.
Siyaphakama has been running since 2022, and the results are already visible. Foundation Phase learners get to stretch their legs outside the classroom, building fundamental movement skills while gaining a deeper understanding of health and wellness.
Intermediate and Senior Phase learners have been able to explore how fitness and physical activity support emotional and social well-being. Health screenings show fewer learners presenting as overweight and more falling within a healthy weight range.
Through the Sport for Development component, new sports infrastructure has been built in the region, and several learners have also earned bursaries to prestigious schools – notable results that are truly changing lives.
“These changes demonstrate how healthy teachers can inspire healthier schools,” says Dr Dolley.
Looking ahead, the team hopes to expand the model to more schools and strengthen teacher training across the Eastern Cape.
“Our long-term goal is to inspire a generation of learners and educators who value movement, wellbeing, and collective growth.”
Sources: Nelson Mandela University
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