The 13th Cape Town International Sport and Peace Conference, held on 23 September 2026 at the Nedbank Building in Cape Town, brought together stakeholders from sport, government, education, civil society and international organisations to explore the future role of youth in sport, physical education and wellbeing.
The conference was hosted by the Foundation for Sport, Development and Peace, in partnership with organisations including the Western Cape Government, Nedbank, UNHCR, UNESCO, TAFISA and Sportanddev.
With discussions ranging from quality physical education and youth leadership to safeguarding, mental health, inclusion and sport for development and peace, the conference created space for participants to share experiences and consider how collaboration can turn ideas into practical action.
TAFISA contributes to discussion on inclusion and wellbeing
Representing TAFISA, Senior Consultant Game Mothibi joined a diverse panel on "Sport, Inclusion, Mental Health and Wellbeing", alongside representatives from Amandla Edu Football, SASAPD, LoveLife, ChangeAbility and the Somali Association of South Africa.
The discussion highlighted the power of sport to create belonging, connection and opportunities to participate, while also recognising the barriers that continue to exclude many people from sport. The panel explored the importance of moving beyond policies and programmes on paper to creating safe, inclusive and meaningful experiences in practice.
The conference reinforced a shared message that when sport is designed and delivered inclusively, it can support wellbeing, strengthen communities, connect young people and contribute to development and peace.
