08 March 2024: KFC and Cricket South Africa’s commitment to empowering women in sports is evident through their support of the KFC Mini-Cricket programme which is set to change lives far beyond the cricket field and contribute to a positive change in society through play. By providing opportunities for young girls to participate in cricket, KFC and Cricket South Africa are breaking down barriers and promoting gender equality in sport.
KFC and Cricket South Africa made a surprise visit to u19 SA Women cricketer Jemma Botha’s former primary school, Turfhall Primary School in Penlyn Estate (Cape Town). Two teams had the opportunity to interact with Protea Women’s players and experience firsthand what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. The Protea Women players shared their experiences, skills, and knowledge with the young girls, inspiring them to dream big and pursue their passions.
The SA’s u19 Women’s and KFC Mini-Cricket Graduate, Jemma Botha expressed her sentiments about her former primary school receiving an amazing opportunity to celebrate International Women’s Day. “The KFC Mini-Cricket programme was instrumental in solidifying my adoration and enthusiasm for cricket. We appreciate brands like KFC who collaborate with organisations like Cricket South Africa to prioritise the development of skills at the grassroots level, especially for the girls. I felt honoured that my former primary school had the opportunity to learn about the KFC Mini-Cricket programme and that the learners can also see themselves in the same position that I am in.”
“The late former president Nelson Mandela once said, ‘If we are going to see real development in the world then our best investment is women!’ Our partnership with Cricket South Africa allows us to make a positive impact on the lives of young girls across South Africa. The grassroots programme is rooted in levelling the playing field and providing kids with an opportunity to play and get active, no matter their background or gender. KFC is committed to our part to building a nation with equal opportunities regardless of your background, impacting lives beyond the boundary,” says Andra Nel, KFC Marketing Manager: Brand and Purpose.
“We are committed to creating equal opportunities for our young boys and girls, which is why we are so passionate about investing in communities through the KFC Mini-Cricket programme. We believe that Jemma’s tale will motivate many other young girls that hard work and dedication are what the levelling playing field narrative is all about,” she elaborated.
CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki, commented, “CSA remains committed in its core values of access and inclusion for all those who want to play the game. Through CSA’s development programmes, in partnership with KFC, we have managed to provide a platform for various young talent to succeed.”
“The KFC Mini-Cricket programme aims to level the playing field, creating a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or gender. By nurturing young talent and promoting gender equality in this game, we are sowing the seeds of a brighter future not just for budding cricketers, but for society as a whole,” said Moseki.
For more information on the KFC Mini-Cricket programme, visit the website: https://purpose.kfc.co.za/mini-cricket/
