Domestic workers and moms square up in court

AN UMHLANGA resident has put a spring in the step of some locals by recently forming a netball team to provide live-in domestic workers and stay-at-home moms the opportunity to socialise and play in a competitive league.

Thembelihle Lubisi, 39, pioneered the formation of umhlanga’s Umlando (making history) Netball Club in February.

Lubisi, a mother of two, said sport provided the opportunity to connect mothers and domestic workers.

“I realised that social interaction often happened only at gatherings like sports days, parents meetings or shopping trips. I decided to call on parents and domestic workers to join the team,” she said.

Lubisi, who hailed from Inanda, felt the initiative will allow these women, especially domestic workers, some time to “focus on the ball” after a long working day.

“I remember our first meeting happened at the Gateway play park, but we felt that practising at night might not be safe. We then moved to my house but the space wasn’t enough.

“A local ward councillor then offered us practice space at the Athlone Sports Ground in Durban North.”

Lubisi said the team practised twice a week and played against teams in Kwamashu and Inanda, she hoped that others could do the same.

“This is another way to take away anxiety and daily life challenges. I wish our team could grow to accommodate a variety of sporting codes, so that those who could not afford to attend gyms, would achieve physical fitness.”

Slondile Nzama, 38, another umhlanga resident, said the initiative has allowed her to socialise with other women.

“When the team was formed in February, little did we know the impact it would have. We hope that more activities for men as well can be included,” she added.

Cindy Radebe, 42, from Port Shepstone, who works as a domestic worker in umhlanga, said the initiative was “fun and encouraging”.