Marching On Together
Tyrone Gunnie from the South African High Commission in London recently visited Leeds to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Leeds based charity The Bambisanani Partnership which has gained international acclaim for its work using sport to change lives in one of South Africa’s most challenging areas.
Tyrone explains that the day turned out to be much more than he could have ever imagined:
“When I first heard of The Bambisanani Partnership charity I was so intrigued that I contacted its Founder and CEO, David Geldart, to arrange a visit to meet members of the remarkable team from St. Mary’s School, Menston, The University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University. The fact that the partnership’s 15th Anniversary was imminent seemed most timely and a full day of meetings and presentations was arranged.
The Bambisanani Partnership is full of surprises but little did I know!
On arriving in Leeds, I was whisked away into a taxi by David and Brogan O’Connor, a Trustee of the charity. Before I knew it, I could see floodlights and a stadium. We had arrived at Elland Road which was not on the plan. Some months earlier I had mentioned to David that since my boyhood days growing up in South Africa, I had been a Leeds United fan. I explained that my uncles had been fans, I think originally inspired by the great Albert Johanneson being at the Club in 60’s and then of course by the ‘Glory Years’ of the 70’s. For all these years (with all its ups and downs!) I have been a Leeds fan but I had never been to Leeds or seen them play live. I could not believe that I was here at last, it was emotional. Not for one minute did I think that the taxi might actually stop – I was in heaven anyway just being outside the ground thinking about what my uncles would say if they could see me now. Much to my amazement the taxi did stop – I couldn’t believe it – were we going to have a look at the Billy Bremner statue and perhaps look at the outskirts of the stadium? David said that we should get out for a few minutes ‘just to stretch our legs’ - I was being misled yet again! We were met immediately met by Stuart Dodsley, Head of Commercial at the Club who gave us the warmest welcome and proceeded to take us a private tour of the ground. Our first stop was at a memorial plaque for the great Albert Johanneson, the first black player to play in an FA Cup final; a trailblazer for so many black players that would follow. I don’t think that I was actually able to speak for several minutes. As we viewed the incredible pitch form the East Stand my thoughts turned to all the games that I had watched on TV, to my fellow countrymen, the he mercurial Albert Johanneson, Phil Massinga and of course Nelson Mandela’s hero, the Chief himself, the great Lucas Radebe, all of whom had graced this hallowed turf. Again, I thought of my uncles and may have even shed a tear.
Walking round the pitch, sitting in the dugout, walking down the tunnel, visiting the Lucas Radebe Suite, seeing all the trophies, shirts, photos – never in my wildest dreams did I think that this could be possible. Everyone we met at the Club was so friendly and welcoming despite it being a match day and them all having much to do. Stuart’s kindness and generosity were simply unbelievable, nothing was too much trouble. What an ambassador he is for the Club. On leaving I was presented with a gift which I will treasure.
As we drove through Leeds, I was to hear of more St. Marys School, Leeds United, South Africa, Bambisanani Partnership connections like former students, Aidy White who had played for the club, members of the Kaiser Chiefs who had named the band because it was the name of Lucas Radebe’s club in South Africa (the Kaizer Chiefs) and actor Matthew Lewis, Patron of The Bambisanani Partnership, who does the weekly Leeds United podcast. As David said ‘all great lads, massive Leeds fans and wonderful supporters of The Bambisanani Partnership.’
Clearly staying ‘off plan’ the taxi pulled up and I noticed a huge mural on a building. Alongside present day Leeds United hero Kalvin Phillips, I could immediately recognise Lucas Radebe and Albert Johanneson. I felt very proud that Lucas and Albert were being celebrated in this way; the link through to Kalvin, connects the past with the present and is most significant. I could just sense Kalvin’s love, admiration and respect for Albert and Lucas. How fantastic to use art and sport in this way; it says much about what the city and its people value.
Onwards we went to the wonderful Mandela Gardens with its outstanding bronze statue of Nelson Mandela’s arms stretching out to the world. From here in Millennium Square I could see Civic Hall and the steps from which Nelson Mandel had spoken in 2001 with Lucas Radebe at his side. The ‘Special Relationship’ between Leeds and South Africa that David had told me about was being reinforced at every turn. Nelson Mandela’s visit recognised this relationship not least for the unconditional support and solidarity received from the people of Leeds during Apartheid. The Anti-Apartheid movement in Leeds was so strong and it was wonderful to learn more about the Leeds Women’s Anti-Apartheid group that was so effective in what it did on so many levels. I also learned of the role of the students of The University of Leeds in the Anti-Apartheid Movement who were highly committed to the cause and extremely good in raising awareness and mobilising other universities up and down the country.
From here in Millennium Square we walked the short distance to that great university for the Bambisanani Partnership Reception and meetings. This was the focus of the day and although David had kept the morning activities a secret from me it was clearly all related, the connections all made sense. At the Reception I learned so much more about the remarkable Bambisanani Partnership. I heard a succession of presentations that were simply breath-taking in their authenticity. To actually meet the people involved – students, teachers, sponsors and supporters was inspirational. I was both honoured and humbled to receive a special award from the partnership for my small part in its development. For here I will just say of The Bambisanani Partnership that I have worked all over the world but have seen few initiatives as effective at using the power of sport and education to change lives. Its philosophy, based on the Zulu concept of Ubuntu, manifests itself into the most impactful practise that really does change the lives of young people in both countries. The work that this charity does, and the impact it has, is extraordinary. I was both honoured and humbled to receive a special award from the partnership for my small part in its development.
A development meeting followed the Reception with Bambisanani team members, John Rolfe from the British Council and myself. What was clear is that this partnership never sits still for a minute! We had just come from a prestigious celebration event and they were now sat down talking about ‘what next?’. The team is quite unbelievable; it is always looking to learn more and move forward, not surprisingly it has ambitious plans for the future which I will support in any way that I can, wherever I am in the world.
With the meeting over I was told that it was a ‘little chilly’ outside and was presented with a scarf – not just any scarf but a Leeds United Scarf! Wonderful. I wore it with pride.
As we walked down to the railway station David and Brogan had one more wonderful and poignant surprise for me. A slight detour from Mandela Gardens took us to the beautiful St. Anne’s Cathedral where we spent a little time reflecting on the most wonderful of days.
There is indeed a very special relationship between Leeds and South Africa – I had read about it and I had heard about but I count myself very fortunate to have felt and experienced it. The work of the Bambisanani Partnership embodies this relationship through its myriad of connections.
On arriving back in London, I learned that Leeds United had won 1–0 in added time.
What a magical day. I look forward to us Marching On Together for many years to come.”
