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Be a sport, business told

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Prominent politician Strike Thokoane has urged business people to assist promising South African sportsmen and women from previously disadvantaged communities.

He pledged R1000 towards helping top women's athlete Poppy Mlambo.

Thokoane, Azanian People's Organisation (Azapo) national organiser, was impressed by Mlambo's plan to use the R100000 she won in the Nedbank SA Marathon towards building a house.

"While one congratulates Poppy for winning the marathon on debut, I'm disappointed that our business people are not doing enough to assist our athletes," he said.

"Our business people should assist our athletes from the villages and townships who are doing well. It is a known fact that getting a sponsorship for them is difficult.

"I had thought one of our business people would come forward after reading the story in Sowetan on Tuesday and help build a house for Poppy.

"I would advise her to invest the money she won in Port Elizabeth last weekend. I challenge our people to come on board and help Poppy. That will also inspire other youngsters."

With an ever increasing number of black people benefitting from BEE deals, top athletes like Mlambo should have an array of sponsors.

Mlambo, one of South Africa's most successful black women athletes, does not have a single personal sponsor despite doing so well in the spot for almost eight years.

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