In a remarkable demonstration of community collaboration and care, the Erasmia Sports Association (ESA) hosted its first bi-annual health screening for 2025 on Saturday, 24 May, at Rockfalls Ranch.
The event, held in alignment with Child Protection Awareness Month, exemplified ESA’s mission to uplift and empower children through a holistic care model that integrates physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing.
A Vision Realized
Founded by Muhammad Iqbul Ganget and Ameerah Nazier Ganget – both with backgrounds in child development – ESA began its journey on the Fortuna Grounds – Erasmia, and has since evolved into a comprehensive child enrichment and community upliftment hub. Operating from Rockfalls Ranch, ESA now serves as a safe space for 120 children every Saturday through a robust Enrichment Program rooted in values of compassion, excellence, and service. This flagship program includes structured weekly sessions combining sports and play- based learning, faith-based education (Naseeha and Fiqh), life skills, psychosocial mentorship, nutritional support, and bi-annual holistic health screenings. ESA’s approach centers on the entire family ecosystem, recognizing that true transformation must reduce the burden on parents – many of whom work long hours to survive, including in child-headed households. ESA steps in as a second home, offering consistent care, mentorship, and community support.
Comprehensive Care Through Collaboration
Meticulously coordinated by Dr. Husnaa Ahmed, Deputy Chairperson and ESA’s Health Lead, the health screening event was a powerful testament to multi-sectoral collaboration. It brought together healthcare providers, civil society organizations, law enforcement, and community leaders to deliver a multidisciplinary day of care.
Participating partners included:
- Islamic Medical Association (IMA) – Tshwane Branch: Led by Dr. Shaakerah MH Ismail and her team, including Dr. Shenaaz Mahomed, Dr Safiyya Elias, and Mudassir Ali Sayed, the IMA student lead and a dentistry student. The team facilitated comprehensive medical and dental screening alongside IMA’s dedicated volunteers: medical students, doctors, dentists, and allied health professionals.
- Ward- Based Outreach Team (WBOT) – Itireleng: Headed by Sr. Matamela Nematondoni, supported by Sr. Pearl,a school health registered nurse from Laudium CHC, and Sr. Maymoona, a volunteer nurse from the Orthopaedics Department at Kalafong Hospital.
- Vision and Dental Screenings: Spearheaded by Dr. Safiyya Elias and Mrs. Naadira Hassan, with visual assessments conducted by optometrist Zainab Bhayla.
- Social Work Department – Laudium CHC: Directed by Ms. Kefilwe Lebethe and team, offering psychosocial assessments and follow-up planning.
- SAPS Gender-Based Violence Unit: Sergeant Shai and Colonel Madonsela led essential safety education and protection awareness drills.
- Family Counselling Khuluma and Bayt At-Takreem (M1 Talha Dockrat, Rashid Mohamed and team): Delivered trauma-informed counselling and substance use support.
- Laudium Child Welfare Society: Represented by Kenny Makhuvele, offering insights into statutory child protection and facilitating interactive sessions for children.
EVENT
The event began with a scouts drill led by co-founder Ameerah Nazier Ganget, followed by the recitation of Surah Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Holy Qur’an) and ESA’s daily child empowerment mantra. The day served as a live showcase of ESA’s Saturday Enrichment Program. Children were grouped into six themed teams – Titans Go, Black Panthers, Gorillas, Jaguars, Rabbits, and Super Kitties – and rotated through interactive stations in a child-friendly format that kept them safe, engaged and inspired. Activities included comprehensive health assessments, vision and dental screenings (with hygiene pack distribution), age-appropriate deworming, psychosocial evaluations, integration of the Road to Health chart, vaccination status assessments, indigenous games, soccer matches, and safety drills. The experience provided each child with individualized care in a warm, nurturing setting.
Community Support and Behind-the-Scenes Heroes
The event’s success was made possible through the dedication and generosity of local individuals and organizations:
- Heart to Heart Foundation – Donated breakfast for the children.
- Infinite Hope Foundation – Sponsored children’s lunch meals.
- Uplifting Humanity – Provided transportation for the children.
- Asghar Akoob and Faizel Ismail (Erasmia KwikSpar) – Sponsored meals for staff, stakeholders, and volunteers.
- Naadira Hassan of the Knead Bakery – Laudium (under the Al-Fidaa Foundation) – Curated a beautiful volunteer tea table and played a key behind-the-scenes role in managing logistics, hospitality, and care coordination alongside ESA’s leadership team. Dr. Husnaa Ahmed and the founding members worked closely with every stakeholder, ensuring seamless delivery of services while maintaining ESA’s high standard of care.
Impact That Resonates
ESA’s holistic model is already demonstrating measurable outcomes. Parents report significant improvements in their children’s emotional regulation, confidence, and overall wellbeing. The integration of spiritual and faith-based guidance – offered with deep respect for all religious backgrounds – has created a safe and inclusive environment for every child.
ESA’s strength lies in its consistency. Through home visits and continued engagement, the organization ensures targeted support while avoiding duplication of services. This proactive, family-centered model alleviates the stress on caregivers and brings much-needed stability to homes where children often carry immense responsibility.
On 28 April 2025, ESA hosted a Parents Day, giving caregivers a chance to witness the impact of the enrichment journey firsthand. Many were deeply moved by how ESA has transformed not just their children, but their family dynamics as a whole. Meanwhile, ESA’s Winter Warmth Drive is currently underway, extending its mission to provide clothing, blankets, and essential supplies during the colder months.
Looking Ahead – Play with Purpose ESA is preparing for two flagship events:
World Play Day (Closed Event) – 28 May 2025. In partnership with Toy Library SA, Scouts SA, Purposeful Giving, GQ Tissues, Heart to Heart Foundation, and others, ESA will host underprivileged and special needs schools for a joyful, inclusive experience. Themed “Connecting Families Through Play,” this event fosters healing, connection, and learning through structured fun.
Play Day Finale – Community Event – 1 June 2025. This open celebration is a multicultural, multi-faith event showcasing community resilience, sport, and child development. It will feature:
- The Young Ballers U13 Soccer Tournament, hosted by ESA’s Football Club, run by SAFA-trained coaches
- Wellness and Educational Activities
- Family-Friendly Entertainment
- Partner Showcases including TR Events, Toy Library SA, Balance & Bloom, Scouts SA, and Badr Riding Club (a proud ESA partner).
The vibrant day is more than just play – it’s a living demonstration of ESA’s inclusive, transformative model aimed at nurturing future leaders who will one day return as mentors and changemakers.
About Erasmia Sports Association
ESA’s mission is rooted in Islamic values of compassion, dignity, and justice, while proudly serving a multicultural, multi-religious community.
Its Saturday Enrichment Program includes:
- Sports & Play- Based Learning – Soccer, archery, horse riding, swimming, and more
- Faith-Based Education – Focused on character, values, and spiritual resilience
- Life Skills & Leadership Development
- Mental Health & Psychosocial Support
- Nutritional Support and Hygiene Packs
- Bi-Annual Health Screenings
Join the Movement – We Need You
Despite a powerful and structured care model, ESA receives no institutional funding. To sustain our work, we urgently need consistent donors, sponsors, and community partners to walk this path with us. With just R1200/month, or through any once-off contribution, you can sponsor a child’s participation – covering meals, transport, mentorship, medical care, and educational materials. This is Sadaqah Jaariyah (continuous charity) and ESA is in a Zakaatable condition, as are the majority of its learners. Your support is a long-term investment in dignity, empowerment, and hope.
