Photo Credit: Lions Cricket
Lions Cricket are delighted to announce their newest team member, former 2019 Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, who joins Gauteng’s most loved team as one of the Union’s Official Change Agents. Focusing on women, children and poverty alleviation, the 2019 Miss South Africa has joined forces with the aim to create hope where there is despair and grow the pride in South Africa and its people.
With the recent launch of the Union’s brand proposition: One Team, One Stadium, A city of Gold; the Union is cognisant of the challenges faced within the community at large and therefore aims to collectively use all available assets to drive inclusive, diverse and sustainable change under the theme #Equality4All.
“Our aim is not limited to on-field but also to drive an inclusive and sustainable social and economic change to society. Ms Zozibini Tunzi is absolutely inspirational, an individual who discourages limitations, champions excellence, leads by example and is the change agent for our society. Zozi will work with the Union to create a thought leadership platform to promote diversity, inclusivity, empowerment of women, and the support of children programmes. As a Union, we aim to be a catalyst brand that seeks to ignite excellence in society and to use sport to drive inclusive and sustainable social and economic change. We welcome her with open arms to our Lions Pride,” comments Lions Cricket Head of Marketing, Commercial & Communications Wanele Mngomezulu.
“I have a strong belief that we exist for different reasons. One of my reasons has always been to make a positive contribution to the world and humanity even if in the smallest way possible. Because if you touch one life, they can go on to make a difference in other people’s lives as well and that begins a beautiful chain reaction. I am happy to join the Lions Cricket Union as their Change Agent focusing on women, children and poverty alleviation. These are pillars that are at the core of things that I stand for. I look forward to the new relationship and journey” commented Zozibini Tunzi.
Mngomezulu continued to say;
“The year-long 30-year post the ICC isolation celebration programme not only focuses on multipurposing the stadium or at taking our beautiful game of cricket to previously marginalised communities but to use the game as a change agent under the ‘A city of Gold’ pillar”.
“A city of Gold pillar seeks to focus on external socio-economic development programme aimed at fostering a closer relationship with our education partners, strengthen our efforts with health care providers as well humanitarian aid organisation towards reducing high-levels of poverty and gender-based violence”.
“The relationship with the NPO People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) on raising high levels of gender-based violence continues to grow from strength to strength”.
“The Union partners with various humanitarian aid organizations to assist in poverty alleviation programmes. Over 5000 food parcels with the value in excess of R5mil has been donated to various communities and affiliated clubs”.
“In addition, the Union prides itself on its long-standing partnership with Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in fighting the breast cancer scourge in partnership with Cricket South Africa and various partners”.
“The ongoing partnership with various post education institutions like Richfield, the University of the Witwatersrand, and the University of Johannesburg continues to provide academic bursary sponsorships for both staff and players”.
“Amongst many other initiatives, the Union has invested in various previously disadvantaged communities to grow the sport of cricket in the form of HUBs and Rapid Performance Centres where township talent is identified, mentored, coached and guided through an all-expenses paid for facility, mentorship and coaching”.
“The Union’s Blind and Deaf cricket teams are flying the flag globally as part of the national teams”.
“The Union is working closely with the Johannesburg Pride NPC who represent the LGBTQI+Me community”.
Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright concludes by saying:
“A warm welcome to Ms Tunzi: May we learn with you as we live life and thrive together and, in the words of Nelson Mandela: ‘Sport has the power to change world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in the way that little else does.’ We look forward to walking this journey with you!”
