But What About Our Youth and Crèches?
HOPEFIELD:- Good News for Some, Bitter Reality for Our Children and Communities
Mr Andre Truter, first, congratulations on your new partnership with Hopefield Rugby Club. It is positive to see a company investing in the community through sport. I am not against this. However, after more than 18 years dedicated to uplifting children and young people on the West Coast, and now as a 70-year-old man still serving by God’s grace, I can no longer remain silent.
Large companies and businesses readily sponsor established rugby clubs that already draw spectators and generate income. This is understandable for branding and visibility. But the same support is often missing for youth organizations, crèches and NPOs working with our most vulnerable children – especially in coloured communities across the western Cape.
Crèches in our communities receive no funding for even one simple outing per month. They struggle to buy food, pay teachers and cope with rising costs every day. Our youth aged 17 to 19 years – many of whom have already left school, sit without structure, opportunities or hope. The results are clear every day: drugs, alcohol, teenage pregnancies, violence and crime destroying young lives.
During visits to Saldanha Bay Municipality offices, I have observed fewer coloured young people being appointed to office positions. The same municipality ignored our organization’s request in May for a day of fun and entertainment on the rugby field. Despite letters proving no damage would be done to the field, our application was effectively denied. A talent evening for fundraising was also refused. Yet the same hall was made available free of charge to a Cape Town organization for a similar fundraising event – visitors who came, collected funds, and returned to Cape Town the same day.
This pattern is not limited to Saldanha Bay municipality, it repeats in municipalities across the country, particularly in so-called coloured communities. We are too often denied the opportunity to uplift our own children.
At West Coast Sports Solutions we continue despite the obstacles. We planned in September 2026 to host a O/19 Rugby & Netball 7’s tournament, followed by the Bloekomboom Festival 2026 later in September or October.
We are not asking for large cash donations, only practical support such as medals, trophies or transport costs.
An appeal to Mr Andre Truter, Phelan Green Group, and all companies operating in the West Coast and across South Africa (not only green energy companies): Be consistent in your corporate social responsibility. Invest not only in high-visibility projects and established clubs, but also in the quiet, essential work that prevents our children from being lost to the streets.
A message to all communities, especially our coloured people:
Wake up.
Our children are dying and being lost while we watch. Politicians must stop empty promises and exploitation. The media must expose the facts without fear, and we as a communities must support those who are trying to make a real difference.
I am 70 years old, and by God’s will, I can still do much. But like so many others trying to make a difference, we are repeatedly blocked. This cannot continue, our coloured children and young people deserve a fair chance to build their lives.
We remain open to partnerships and practical support.
Any support, please call me, George April, founder and chairperson of West Coast Sports Solutions NPO on – cell: 067 074 5040 – email: admin@wcsportssolutions.co.za