Johannesburg – Liberty Coal has announced a three-year partnership with the Happy Jele Foundation, aimed at driving youth development and community upliftment through sport.
At the centre of the partnership is the inaugural Liberty Coal–Happy Jele Middelburg Easter Tournament, set to take place over the Easter weekend at Themba Senamela Stadium.
Liberty Coal announced on Friday, 20 March 2026, that the three-day event will bring together 32 underprivileged teams competing for a share of a R120 000 prize pool.
Beyond competition, the tournament is designed to create opportunity, offering young athletes exposure, development pathways, and a platform to showcase their talent.
Liberty Coal CEO Hlayiseka Chauke affirmed that “sport has the power to transform lives, building discipline, confidence, and opportunity.”
“This partnership is not just about sponsorship; it is about investing in young people and strengthening the communities in which we operate,” Chauke said.
The initiative forms part of Liberty Coal’s Community Upliftment Plan, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible mining and meaningful social impact.
Over the next three years, Liberty Coal and the Happy Jele Foundation aim to grow the tournament into a sustainable youth sporting platform that nurtures talent, promotes social cohesion, and contributes to local economic activity.
The partnership was announced at a media launch in Johannesburg, Friday, 20 March 2026, and marked the official signing of the three-year partnership valued at over R3 million earmarked for the development of sport and an effort to address social challenges faced by mining host communities.
“This partnership gives us, as the foundation, a platform for me to develop talent in the community I grew up in,” said Happy Jele, the former Orlando Pirates captain.
“ I’m hoping that out of this partnership, we will produce more soccer stars, give more youngsters a chance to make it because I was also given an opportunity, and that’s why I achieved what I achieved.”
The three-day spring showcase will see the township of Mhluzi come alive over the Easter weekend with multiple sporting disciplines showcasing their talent and ensuring youth are kept busy, off the streets, and away from destructive activities.
“This is more than an event. It is a long-term investment in the future of our communities,” Chauke added.
