DELMAS — Winning the 2025/26 LFA League title in its first season in Victor Khanye Local Municipality put Sihappy S’ngaphezulu on the local football map.
But for chairman Vistaa Thapelo Mononyana, the trophy is only one part of what the organisation hopes to achieve.
Known in Delmas for its football team and apparel, Sihappy S’ngaphezulu is now turning its attention to the wider community, particularly helping children and young people access opportunities beyond the football field.
That vision is behind Kickstart Monday, an initiative that provides breakfast to schoolchildren before the start of the school week.
For Mononyana, the idea came from seeing children facing circumstances beyond their control.
“We asked ourselves: What small contribution can we make that could change the way a child starts their week? That is how Kickstart Monday came about,” says Mononyana.
The initiative started in Old Location, Botleng, at a central point intended to accommodate learners from Khangela, Bazani, Othandweni and Botleng.
The organisation hopes to expand the initiative to other areas as more people and businesses come on board.
Mononyana says the initiative is not about trying to solve every problem in the community, but about doing something practical with the resources available.
“One breakfast may seem small, but to the child receiving it that morning, it can mean much more. We believe you have to start somewhere,” he says.
The organisation wants Kickstart Monday to become a regular programme rather than a once-off event.
To sustain the programme, Sihappy S’ngaphezulu is looking for partnerships, donations, sponsorships and support from individuals and businesses. Contributions could include food, breakfast supplies, drinks, containers, transport, equipment or volunteering time on Monday mornings.
Mononyana says the response from the community has already shown that people want to be involved.
“This shouldn’t be about one person; it should be about the community coming together for our children,” he says.
For him, the reason for starting with breakfast is straightforward.
“A child shouldn’t have to concentrate on an empty stomach.”
The organisation’s plans extend beyond food. Mononyana says Sihappy S’ngaphezulu wants to introduce other sporting codes so that children who are not interested in football can also find a place to develop their talents.
Its longer-term vision includes youth programmes, mentorship, skills development, educational support, community choirs and opportunities in music and studio production.
The football team, however, remains part of the organisation’s plans. Mononyana sees its success as a platform from which Sihappy S’ngaphezulu can grow.
“Ultimately, we want Sihappy S’ngaphezulu to become a platform where children and young people can receive support, discover their talents and access opportunities whether their talent is in sport, music, education, creativity, leadership or something completely different,” he says.
The league title may have given Sihappy S’ngaphezulu a place in Victor Khanye’s football story, but Mononyana believes its most important work could happen away from the pitch.
“Kickstart Monday is not the end goal — it is the beginning of a much bigger vision,” he says.
