It is only hours left before the soccer world cup begins in South Africa and the Forum for Empowerment of Women (FEW) is inviting all lovers of the game to come and heal the soccer fever with the organisation at a kickoff screening at Entabeni Gaydor, a match between Bafana Bafana and Mexico on 11 June.   

“This event is our way of showing support to Bafana Bafana as FEW and as part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community in this country. We aim to have fun in a safe social space wearing our soccer jerseys to show support for the team”, Dikeledi Sibanda of FEW said. 

While LGBTI people are often frowned upon and discriminated at social spaces FEW organised this screening to ensure that we watch and enjoy the game of soccer at a safe space without any fear of feeling unsafe.The organisation chose a township venue in order to take the game to the LGBTI people who often struggle to attended some activities due to lack of funds. 

“The world cup will be played on our home grounds and it is an honour to welcome the world to our country. We hope it will give exposure to our country and that when visitors go back to their countries they can spread the word about the country to those who would like to visit one day”, said Busi Kheswa Director of FEW said. 

FEW has a lesbian soccer team, Chosen FEW, Kheswa said Bafana Bafana’s recent performance has highly motivated the team especially the role that soccer has played to unite thenation.

Chosen FEW will be participating on the VIII Gay Games Cologne 2010 starting 31^st July-07August and commenting on the timing of the World Cup Kheswa said,

“Many people are ignorant about gay and lesbian life, for instance only few people know about Gay Games which are equivalent to the Olympics. Chosen FEW will be representing South Africa and since it will be after the world cup; we believe that they will have gotten the necessary inspired to make us proud in Cologne.”   

She concluded, “It would really motivate Chosen FEW if they could get half the support that is enjoyed by the national soccer team, Bafana Bafana. 

EVENT: Kickoff Screening – Bafana Bafana VS Mexico

 VENUE: Entabeni Gador – Orlando West Extention

DATE: 11 June 2010TIME: 2 pm till late 

For more information contact: Dikeledi Sibanda on 011 3391867 / 076 512 3874