Johannesburg, South Africa, 03 August 2026 - What began as a small initiative with just

seven Primary Schools has grown to include 16 Primary and 16 Secondary schools, creating

more opportunities for young people to participate in sport, develop their skills and build

confidence from an early age.

For Vuma, supporting initiatives such as the MFM Foundation School Sports Festival is

about contributing to the communities in which it operates and helping create opportunities

for young people beyond the classroom and the playing field. As part of its involvement in

the tournament, Vuma has supported the participating young athletes through catering,

goodie bag distribution and the provision of sporting equipment such as balls.

This support reflects the importance of working with community initiatives that give young

people opportunities to develop, connect with others and see what is possible for their future.

The festival was founded by professional footballer Fortune Makaringe and is inspired by his

own journey through South African football. Through the MFM Foundation, Makaringe

focuses on creating structured opportunities that encourage young people to balance

education and sport while developing their talents.

Returning to his hometown to host the sports festival, Makaringe has created an

environment where communities come together, parents actively support their children, and

young people are encouraged to look beyond their current circumstances.

“For us, it’s about inspiring young people to believe in what’s possible,” says Makaringe. “If

we can contribute to even one child’s journey and help them see their potential, then we are

making a meaningful difference.”

Now in its fourth year, the festival has grown from seven Primary Schools into a three-day

tournament involving 32 schools. The growth shows the importance of creating more

opportunities for young people to take part in sport, while giving communities a chance to

come together and support the development of future talent.

“The growth of this tournament speaks for itself; it has become a powerful platform for young

talent and a real driver of community impact,” said Katlego Magatu, Chairperson of

Vosloorus Primary Schools Association.

For Vuma, supporting the MFM Foundation School Sports Festival is about being part of an

initiative that brings young people, families and communities together. By supporting

grassroots sport, Vuma is helping create opportunities for young people to participate, build

confidence and develop skills that can benefit them both on and off the field.

As the MFM Foundation School Sports Festival continues to grow, its ambition remains

clear: to reach more young South Africans and provide them with opportunities to develop

their talents, build confidence and create new possibilities for their futures.