The over 4000 volunteers that Umsobomvu Youth Fund (now operating as the National Youth Development Agency) helped recruit were some of the dedicated people that worked tirelessly to ensure that everything was in place. Faith Rikhotso (22), a media studies and journalism graduate, was assigned to work with media, she handled photographers’ parking, allocated tickets and seating and any other queries. “The Confederations Cup 2009 was really great, actually, it was way more than I expected. South Africa hosted a world class event,” she said.

At first, Faith, who is now job-hunting, had reservations about being a volunteer. ”I thought that people would look down on us, but to the contrary everyone was very appreciative and wanted to find out how they can apply to become volunteers,” said Faith. South Africans will once again get a chance to give back when Umsobomvu Youth Fund (now operating as the National Youth Development Agency) starts recruiting volunteers for the long awaited 2010 World Cup in South Africa

Herbert “Puncho” Morajane, the Umsobomvu Youth Fund (UYF) Sports Programme Manager , explained that the recruitment drive for the 2010 World Cup Volunteers begins on the 20 July and will continue until 31 August 2009. “If you missed the opportunity to volunteer during the Confederations Cup then here is another chance. As South Africans we must rally together and do as much as we can to ensure that the 2010 World Cup is declared the best World Cup ever hosted,” Puncho indicated.

During the Confederations Cup 2009 the NYDA Youth Advisory Centres in the four host cities supported the interview for applicants who were shortlisted for training. YACs are walk-in centres where young people can get information about careers, starting a business, and learning about accessing the various UYF programmes and services. The organisation currently has 121 YACs dotted around the country.

The call centre that facilitated the volunteer registration process and handled queries from people that expressed interest in being volunteers during the Confederations Cup 2009 was also hosted by UYF under the auspices of the National Youth Service Programme. According to Puncho the UYF’s call centre and Youth Advisory Centres will once again be used to support the recruitment process.

“We hope that the murals that we painted across the country in townships such as, Seshego, Claremont, KwaGuqa and Mamelodi to highlight the work that the Confederations Cup’s Volunteers did will also inspire South Africans to take action. There is no turning back now, Ke Nako, he concluded.

For enquiries:

Refilwe Mphane: 084 308 5860 or refilwe.mphane@uyf.org.za
Linda Mbongwa : 082 315 3217 or linda.mbongwa@uyf.org.za