About Us
Learn more about Soweto Basketball Academy – our history, mission, and the impact we create.
📖 Our Story
Founded in the heart of Soweto more than a decade ago, the Soweto Basketball Academy (SBA) has grown from a grassroots basketball initiative into a multi‑programme youth development organisation supporting young people both on and off the court.
Through structured athletic training, academic support, life‑skills development and community engagement, the Academy equips young people with the tools they need to succeed in sport, education and life.
Today, SBA supports approximately 400 active athletes, with girls representing 52% of participants, reflecting our commitment to expanding access to sport and promoting gender equity in basketball.
🎯 Vision & Mission
Vision
To be South Africa’s leading youth basketball development institution, shaping athletes who excel on and off the court while empowering a generation of leaders who uplift their communities.
Mission
To provide high‑quality basketball training, educational support and life‑skills development to young people in Soweto and beyond, creating pathways to opportunity, excellence and leadership.
⭐ Our Core Values
- Excellence – Strive for progress, not perfection.
- Discipline – On and off the court.
- Community – Basketball as a tool for social change.
- Education First – 100% matric pass rate in 2025.
- Leadership – Developing tomorrow’s leaders today.
- Inclusivity – 52% female participation.
- Integrity – Responsible stewardship of partner resources.
📊 Impact at a Glance
Beyond sport, SBA delivers youth employment, nutrition support, and community programmes across Soweto and Gauteng.
📅 Our Journey
- 2010s: Academy founded in Soweto.
- 2017: Long‑term partnership with Phuthanang Youth Trust begins.
- 2024: Two new basketball courts built at Morris Isaacson High School (donated by Code South Africa).
- 2025: 100% Matric Pass Rate; SBA Community Soup Kitchen launched; SEF Consortium expanded to 13 organisations (206 participants); Uprising Tournament broadcast on SuperSport Schools.
- 2026 and beyond: Expanding tournament to regional Southern African event; scaling academic programmes and infrastructure.
🏛️ Governance & Accountability
SBA has prioritised strengthening its governance, financial management and operational systems. Key developments include improved financial oversight, expanded management capacity, strengthened policies and procedures, and enhanced monitoring and evaluation processes. These improvements ensure SBA remains a responsible and accountable steward of partner and donor investment.
🤝 Support Our Mission
Whether you’re a potential partner, volunteer, or donor – your support helps us transform young lives through sport, education and opportunity.