WISEUP was established in 2014 by Ms. Lauren Wheeler due to her active concern that young Black women were being excluded from women’s sports tournaments in the Cape Town area. This was largely due to a lack of funding and of organising capacity. Since then she has successfully mobilised support – including that of STP, for the 2022 and 2023 years – to ensure soccer and netball teams from Khayelitsha, Langa and/or other local areas are represented at the Rustenburg tournament.

WISEUP’s focus is on providing equipment, coaching and transport to young ladies from local Cape Town areas and thus enable them to compete in mainstream sports events. This has continued to be the focus but, based on funding availability and the support of volunteers, enhancements to the programme have been actioned eg: academic support and mentoring to players after hours, and the provision of safe after-care environments where the opportunity to develop general life-skills is embraced. In addition, WISEUP has expanded the areas in which they support schools including in Gugulethu, Mitchells Plein and other areas.

The JDF’s support for WISEUP for the 2024 year focused on providing funding to assist them to support 2 teams – 1 Black female soccer team from Gugulethu and a netball team from Bontheuwel – to participate in the Rustenburg tournament (19th – 21st April 2024). The funding provided helped WISEUP cover the team’s transport costs – generally the biggest challenge faced by these youth to enable participation in the tournament. In addition, funds were used to cover management and coaching fees; refreshments and soccer balls.

STP proposed that the JDF supports WISEUP.

For further information about this initiaitve, please see below:
Website: https://www.facebook.com/WISEUPOfficial/
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape.