After a fire tore through Masiphumelele, MasiSports moved quickly to help restore dignity and stability for affected school learners through a uniform drive and community support.
Masiphumelele, South Africa (26 January 2026) – A devastating fire that swept through Masiphumelele on 20 January has left many families reeling, with homes destroyed. Among those deeply affected are school learners whose sense of safety was shaken.
For MasiSports’ Althea Farmer, responding was not a question of if, but how quickly.
“Masiphumelele as a community is not only the place where we work, it’s basically our home. With the community experiencing such a devastating fire on the 20th of Jan, we obviously felt it important for us to respond.”
MasiSports is a non-profit organisation embedded in the community. The organisation works closely with Masiphumelele and Yokani Primary Schools, delivering during- and after-school programmes that include sport, life skills, arts and cultural activities. The organisation supports learners from Grade R through to Grade 12 and employs 16 coaches, most of whom live in Masiphumelele.
“Our work is basically guided by a simple and powerful belief where we are looking at impacting the young people of Masiphumelele so that they can grow to be self-sufficient, resilient, and engaged contributors to the community.”
In the aftermath of the fire, around 160 learners were identified as having lost their school uniforms. For many families, replacing these essentials is an added burden during an already traumatic time.
“At the moment, we are running a school uniform drive to specifically assist these learners. The uniform has a sense of pride and it’s basically just giving that pride back.”
MasiSports is working alongside schools and partner organisations to ensure learners continue attending school, even if that currently means arriving in casual clothes. Schools have also maintained feeding schemes, helping to provide some stability amid uncertainty.
MasiSports is working alongside schools and partner organisations to ensure learners continue attending school, even if that currently means arriving in casual clothes. Schools have also maintained feeding schemes, helping to provide some stability amid uncertainty.
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Despite the devastations Althea says what has stood out most is the strength of collective action within the community.
“You literally saw an entire community just showing up and wanting to support and be there for those affected.”
As recovery continues, MasiSports and its partners remain focused on restoring dignity, routine and hope.
If you wish to reach out to MasiSports here or lend a helping hand, contact [email protected] or click here to donate via MasiCorp.
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Thank you for this very clear and timely article
Excellent read! I’ve been exploring similar ideas at Institute of Physical and Sport Sciences and your perspective adds great value.