Boxing Against Violence: Empowerment Through Sport for All

The inspiring story of Malitsietsi Zwakala, a 38-year-old mother of two, is a testament to the transformative power of sport. A staunch advocate for Sport for All in Lesotho, Malitsietsi is dedicated to empowering her community through physical activity and self-defense training. Her efforts align with the goals of the SUCCEED initiative, demonstrating how targeted capacity building can lead to significant social change and community empowerment.

Lesotho has a strong tradition in physical activity. 

- Malitsietsi Zwakala

"Lesotho has a strong tradition in physical activity," says Malitsietsi. Physical activity is deeply ingrained in the society and culture of her community in Humuima, encompassing various styles of play, traditional dancing, and games. Additionally, in Humuima, it is common for people to walk long distances to fetch water, go to school, or tend to their livestock. These daily tasks require significant physical fitness and endurance, further embedding the importance of physical activity in the community's way of life. This constant need for movement naturally fosters a strong inclination towards physical fitness and sports, making the promotion of sports activities a seamless extension of daily routines. This culture has profoundly shaped her commitment to promoting sports and healthy living.

Empowering Communities through sports leadership

Malitsietsi's involvement in sports extends beyond personal participation; she has been a facilitator and volunteer at numerous sports events in her community and across Lesotho, including Khubelu, Ha Abia, and Maseru, the capital city. Her role as Program Officer in the Lesotho Sport and Recreation Commission, the implementation arm of the Ministry of Sport, further solidified her influence. 

In 2020, she attended the TAFISA Certified Leadership Course (CLC) hosted by the Africa Union Sports Council Region 5, which proved to be a turning point in her career. She states, the training equipped her with essential management skills, allowing her to better support community clubs and develop Sport for All projects in her community.

The CLC helped me understand the administrative elements of sport management and leadership, as well as how to market the Sport for All concept.

- Malitsietsi Zwakala

These skills were crucial in her professional growth and the establishment of her academy, demonstrating the transformative power of capacity building.

Founding the Rocket Sports Academy

Inspired by the CLC, Malitsietsi founded the Rocket Sports Academy, a community space offering a variety of sport activities include boxing, badminton, and athletics, all free of charge. The Academy aims to provide a safe space for people of all ages and genders to be active, fostering physical health, safe sports, and community cohesion.

The Academy is more than just a place for sports. It’s a community refuge and a space for empowerment.

- Malitsietsi Zwakala

The leadership and management skills gained from the CLC enabled Malitsietsi to envision and create the Rocket Sports Academy. This academy not only promotes general physical health and sports participation but also serves as a crucial platform for addressing specific community issues, including gender-based violence.

Tackling gender-based violence through boxing

One of her main concerns about her community is the rise of violence against women in Maseru. Gender-based violence (GBV) is a critical issue in Southern Africa, where the prevalence is high. Studies show that between half and two-thirds of all women in Southern Africa have experienced violence at some point in their lives. In Lesotho, GBV is associated with patriarchy and the unequal social and economic power between males and females. With the establishment of the Rocket Sports Academy, Malitsietsi saw an opportunity to tackle this pressing issue.

By integrating boxing programs specifically designed for women, she aimed to empower them with self-defense skills and build their confidence to stand against violence. This initiative directly stems from her belief that sports can be a powerful tool for social change and community empowerment.

“Boxing is more than a sport; it's a way for women to reclaim their strength and confidence. As one woman starts to see the change in other women, an increase in self-confidence and empowerment, they will feel inspired to follow.”

- Malitsietsi Zwakala

Malitsietsi explains that convincing women to practice boxing has been and continues to be a challenge. Even with only 15% of the sport academy participation coming from women, she is confident that this number will grow in the coming years through increased development, awareness, and investment. She remains optimistic that breaking down stereotypes and fostering a supportive community will lead to greater female participation in boxing over time.

“Empowerment begins with breaking stereotypes and fostering a supportive community.”

- Malitsietsi Zwakala

Next steps: expanding the vision

Looking ahead, Malitsietsi has ambitious plans for her academy. She aims to expand the boxing program and engage more women, breaking barriers and stereotypes. She appreciates opportunities and support from TAFISA and the IOC and aims to reach government and private sponsors to fund and further develop her project. Collaboration with local and national federations is also on the horizon, as she strives to secure additional resources and broaden the reach of her initiatives.

Supporting Community Empowerment and development through Sport for All - SUCCEED

Malitsietsi's work exemplifies the transformative potential of sport in building stronger, more resilient communities. By enhancing individual skills and fostering inclusive environments, she is not only addressing immediate social issues but also laying the groundwork for long-term development and empowerment.

To further strengthen and scale these stories of empowerment and the transformative impact of capacity building, TAFISA have partnered with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through its Olympism 365 strategy to launch SUCCEED (Supporting Communities Empowerment & Development through Sport for All). SUCCEED is a global framework dedicated to fostering community empowerment and development through capacity building in Sport for All.

At its core, SUCCEED is committed to capacity building approaches that promote solidarity, safeguarding, equality, inclusion, human rights, and sustainable progress in and through sport within communities globally. By integrating the TAFISA Certified Leadership Course (CLC) into the SUCCEED framework and through strategic collaboration with various sports and non-profit organizations that supports concerted efforts, SUCCEED aims to scale the reach and impact of Sport for All capacity building initiatives. This will contribute to a lasting positive impact in communities through sport, fostering social cohesion, health, and well-being across diverse cultural and socioeconomic landscapes.