The James Nxumalo Sports Against Crime and Drug Abuse Games which started on Thursday 02/01/14 and ended on Friday, 03/01/14 at KwaNdokweni in Intshanga were a great success.The games started 9 years ago and the aim was to use sports as a vehicle to fight crime and drug abuse in the area.

The games are funded by the Mayor James Nxumalo Foundation and the total prize money set aside for participants was R 30 000. The prize money is expected to increase next year as the games will be celebrating 10 years.

Harare 1 Football Club were crowned champions after beating Gasa Section Football Club by 10-09 in a penalty shootout. The champions walked away with R 6000, medals and a trophy. The runners up received R 4000 and medals. The other six teams received R500 each for participating. All the eight teams that participated received brand new sport kits valued at R 10 000.

Mayor, Nxumalo, said since the inception of the games crime and drug abuse in the area has decreased drastically.

“We are partnering with a number of stakeholders including Community Policing Forum, Safer Cities and I Trump Unit as well as the Department of Community Safety and Liaison in fighting crime in the area and to instill moral values especially in young people. Next year will mark 10 years of the games’ existence and we have big plans to take the games to even greater heights,” said Nxumalo.

For more information please contact Thabo Mofokeng on 082 731 7456/ 031 311 4820 or e-mail thabo1.mofokeng@durban.gov.za