Durban Africa Sports Club (DASC), which recently received several provincial awards, has secured a vital financial contribution of R100,000 to advance its youth development programs throughout the 2027 financial year.
This funding was jointly provided by the George Ramalu Memorial Trust and Azelis South Africa. The official presentation of this contribution took place during the launch of DASC's flagship program, 'One Goal, One Education,' at the Savera Hotel in Chatsworth.
Boston Munсами, Managing Director of Azelis South Africa and Trustee of the George Ramalu Memorial Trust, confirmed the availability of this financial support as DASC prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027.
This upcoming anniversary is also significant for the George Ramalu Memorial Trust, as it will mark 25 years since the passing of the respected football administrator and public figure George Ramalu, whose vision of using sport to transform the lives of young people continues through targeted community funding.
The influx of capital followed the club's significant success, based in Chatsworth. At the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Sports Awards held at the Durban ICC, DASC won the 'Recreation Body of the Year' award.
This provincial triumph is the result of previous achievements, including recognition as the 'Best Sports Organization' by the eThekwini municipality, receiving a nomination for the national SA Sports Awards, and being awarded Silver status by the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation.
Founded in 2007 based on a grassroots football development project that reached over 4000 students in 70 schools, DASC consistently advocates for sound management practices and societal improvement.
Over the last three years, the club's flagship team has remained undefeated at the league level while winning numerous cups and participating in tournaments.
In addition to sporting victories, DASC regularly conducts recreational sports activities for orphanages, works with groups of people with special needs, and annually organizes a Life Skills Week featuring motivational speakers and industry professionals.
Furthermore, the organization is laying the groundwork for its next major initiative—the creation of a Sports Excellence Centre in Chatsworth, which will combine athletic training and educational development for underprivileged youth.
Former Director Prem Vayapuri introduced Munсами, recalling his journey from the sugar plantations of Mount Edgecombe to being a dux student at Verulam Secondary, a provincial footballer, and a biochemistry graduate from Durban-Westville. Today, as Managing Director of Azelis South Africa and co-founder of Umongo Petroleum, this international businessman has directed his corporate success toward social impact, distributing over R10 million through the George Ramalu Memorial Trust and partner companies to support more than 400 schools, organizations, and community initiatives.
This philosophy underpins the 'One Goal, One Education' program—the belief that sport and education, combined with dedicated mentorship, can change the trajectory of young people's lives.
DASC Chairperson, Maggie Govender, welcomed the directors and educators to the event. Govender expressed sincere gratitude to Boston Munсами, the George Ramalu Memorial Trust, and Azelis South Africa for their generous and long-standing support.
Govender highlighted DASC's outstanding achievements over the past year, including recognition as the 'Best Sports Organization' by the eThekwini municipality, receiving 'Best Sports Organization' recognition from the KZN Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and being nominated for the SA Sports Awards.
Reflecting on the club's journey, Vayapuri noted early milestones and praised the collective efforts invested in them.
Vayapuri stated that DASC previously received Silver status from the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation, and that these awards are the result of many years of dedicated work by DASC's coaches, volunteers, educators, and partners.
