By Emily Setona MI
HARRISMITH – Tswelopele Local Municipality emerged as the undisputed champion at the 2025 South African Municipal Wellness Association (SAMWA) Free State Provincial Games, dominating the two-day sporting event held at Platberg Stadium in Harrismith from 25 to 26 July.
Hosted by Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, the games brought together municipal teams from across the province to compete in volleyball, netball, soccer, tug of war, darts, table tennis, and pool – all in the spirit of workplace wellness and camaraderie.
Tswelopele clinched top honours in five codes: female and male volleyball, netball, darts, and pool. The municipality also bagged second place in tug of war and soccer, reinforcing its status as a rising powerhouse in municipal sports.
Executive Mayor Kenalemang Phukuntsi praised her teams for their discipline, resilience, and months of rigorous preparation. “Our athletes trained hard with structured sessions and strategy. Their commitment paid off,” she said, adding that the municipality plans to expand investment in sports development, coaching, and talent nurturing.
In other results, hosts Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) won the tug of war event, with Tswelopele placing second. MAP also topped table tennis and secured second place in darts, pool, and netball. Setsoto Municipality triumphed in soccer, followed by Tswelopele and MAP.
Nketoana claimed second place in both male volleyball and netball.Trophies and medals were awarded to all winning teams in a vibrant closing ceremony that underscored the event’s festive yet competitive atmosphere.
MAP MMC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Councillor Bridgette Lebesa, applauded the athletes for promoting wellness and unity in public service. “This event goes beyond competition. It’s about mental health, physical wellbeing, and building stronger teams in our municipalities,” she said.
The 2025 SAMWA Free State Games not only showcased athletic talent but reinforced the role of wellness and teamwork in strengthening service delivery and workforce morale across the province.
