Empowerment Through Sports – Harlequin Sports Club
The Healing Africa Foundation NPC (HAF) has entered into a Working in Association Agreement with Harlequin Rugby Club to raise funds and manage social development resources for the Club’s youth and community upliftment programmes, with significant opportunities for sponsors to earn Section 18A tax deductions for donations.
This partnership stems from a larger scale initiative with The Sports Legacy Company and Ikokobetsa which offers corporate clients the chance to support an initiative that will improve their B-BBEE score cards.
This landmark initiative is a well structured circular programme that links social and enterprise development through sport, empowering local athletes and creating career pathways for young people, particularly at this stage the Harlequin Women (Quins Pink) who play in the Blue Bulls Women’s Club Competition (BBRU Regional Tournament) and Betway Club Champs (National Tournament). This initiative equips players with accredited skills training, social support and potential employment while continuing to nurture their athletic development.
“We’re proud to work with Harlequin Rugby Club to champion both women’s empowerment and community development, through structured, transparent programmes.” – Lisa Viola: Director and Founder of The Healing Africa Foundation
This initiative demonstrates that B-BBEE can move beyond compliance and become a real catalyst for change. By aligning corporate development funding with community sport, we are building a model where young athletes gain skills, opportunity and dignity – on and off the field. True empowerment happens when development creates participation, participation creates pathways.
Flagship Programme: Kickoff for Women Rugby Players
DEKRA South Africa has proudly come on board as the first official sponsor, funding learnerships and stipends for the participating athletes. Their commitment demonstrates the power of private sector support in driving meaningful social change through sport.
“This partnership is about more than rugby, it’s about creating opportunity, building confidence and showing young people that there is a pathway from the field to the future,” said Christopher Mörsner:
A Partnership Built on Purpose
Under the signed agreement, HAF is authorised to raise funds, secure sponsorships and manage donor relationships on behalf of Harlequin Rugby Club. All funds raised are managed in accordance with non-profit governance standards, ensuring transparent financial oversight and accountability.
The partnership supports Harlequin’s mission to strengthen community sport, promote youth participation and sustain development programmes through strategic collaboration with responsible corporate partners.
Corporate Benefits:
- Section 18A tax-deductible donations under the Income Tax Act.
- B-BBEE scorecard points for socio-economic and enterprise development contributions.
- Brand visibility through community-driven sports development.
- Genuine social impact aligned with national transformation goals.
What will your donations be spent on?
To ensure every player can train and compete with dignity and safety, the Foundation and Club have created a Harlequin Development wish list, inviting sponsors, corporates and individuals to contribute in kind or financially to meet urgent needs, including:
- Rugby boots and training shoes
- Sports bras and performance apparel
- Team togs and match kits
- Transport stipends for players travelling to and from matches
- Nutrition and meal support for training days
- Medical kits and physiotherapy support
- Skills development, learnerships and mentorship sponsorships
Each donation, monetary or material, directly supports the players’ development and wellbeing, helping them stay in the game and stay in school.
About Harlequin Rugby Club
Pretoria Harlequin Rugby Club is the oldest continuous rugby club in the Blue Bulls. We are officially affiliated to London Harlequin Rugby Club and part of more than 120 Quins Clubs all over the world, potentially creating local and international pathways.
Harlequin Rugby Club is one of South Africa’s most respected community rugby institutions, fostering athletic excellence and inclusion across men’s, women’s and youth divisions. The Club continues to invest in sport as a tool for empowerment, education and unity.
About The Sports Legacy Company
The Sports Legacy Company was founded with a singular purpose, to transform the way South Africa approaches enterprise development, skills development and B-BBEE transformation. Built as a B-BBEE-compliant vehicle for impact, the company bridges the gap between corporate responsibility and real community transformation. Sponsoring The Sports Legacy Programmes holds many benefits for corporate funders to gain B-BBEE score card points and make a sustainable difference in the lives of the players.
Ikokobetsa
Driving Compliance, Transformation, and Sustainable Growth
Empowering businesses to navigate compliance with ease while fostering transformation that fuels growth and societal impact.
Ikokobetsa specialises in Skills Development, Employment Equity, and B-BBEE compliance. We empower businesses by providing strategic guidance and essential tools to navigate regulatory requirements, enhance workforce diversity and drive socio-economic transformation. Our vision extends beyond consulting, we strive to create a lasting societal impact through sports, educational and community development initiatives.
https://www.ikokobetsa.co.za/
About The Healing Africa Foundation
The Healing Africa Foundation NPC (HAF) is a registered non-profit company dedicated to advancing social development, education and sustainable community upliftment across South Africa. Through strategic partnerships with corporates, public institutions and grassroots organisations, HAF bridges funding gaps and ensures responsible project management for lasting impact.
Donate Now
https://www.healingafricafoundation.org/donate/
The Healing Africa Foundation NPC Enquiries
📧 Email: lisa@healingafricafoundation.org / twaambo@healingafricafoundation.org
🌐 Website: www.healingafricafoundation.org
📞 Whatsapp: 0845717141