By OBAKENG MAJE
30 January 2025- A local philanthropist and former Tlapeng Pirates FC player, Keseokile “The Beast” Phakedi (54), has distributed 15 school shoes and soccer balls to the underprivileged learners at Baga-Maidi Primary School on Tuesday.
Phakedi said school shoes serve not only as a practical necessity for them, but also carry significant symbolic value, representing a sense of pride and belonging.
“I came to celebrate my birthday with these learners and donated pairs of school shoes to the underprivileged, including soccer balls. I think this will continue to encourage them to work hard and ensure that they become great future leaders.
“That will bring changes to their backgrounds and also play a pivotal role in their developments. Most of the learners are being discouraged by their backgrounds, but I tell you now, please do not let your background determine your future,” he said.
Phakedi further said education is key and as society, there is a need to continue encouraging these learners to take their education seriously. He added that education assists many people to step into the realm of possibilities.
“I also understand that sport plays a crucial role in the lives of our young people. I regard sport as a nation-building because through sport, you can keep learners away from the streets.
“There are socio-economic challenges that we need to address including, teenage pregnancy, HIV-AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse and crime. However, we can do that through sport because it has the power to bring people together,” said Phakedi.
He said Taung has an abundance of talents that can be put to a good use. Phakedi encourages parents to support their children, who participate in sport.
“As parents, we need to understand that sport also plays a crucial role in the learners’ lives. It assists them to exercise and focus on their studies.
“As a former player, I went to Kaizer Chiefs FC and Moroka Swallows FC for trials, but I was unsuccessful. However, I am not deterred as I would like to see more players coming out of our hometown and represent us in various elite leagues around the world,” he said.
Baga-Maidi Primary School principal, Lebogang Walter Mooketsi, shared the same sentiments. Mooketsi said they welcome the donation and encourage other stakeholders to support the school.
“We are grateful and to say we are happy is understatement. This is an encouragement on its own and we welcome the donation. We will take our learners through various sporting codes, as we start with our athletics.
“So, these soccer balls will come in handy. Our school starts from Grade R until Grade 7, and we have 107 learners. We hope this will encourage other parents to bring their children to this school,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education representative (Greater Taung sub-region), Kelebogile Phekonyane, who is also a former teacher of Phakedi at Walter Letsie High School said, they really appreciate what Phakedi has done. Phekonyane said in some instances, the department could not provide.
“He has identified learners with needs and supported them. Indeed, we are pleased with what he has done and we encourage other stakeholders to come on board,” she said.
The Guardian 