Cape Town, June 2025 – There was a magnificent wash of red at Masiphumelele High School last week, as boys and girls from The Atlas Foundation South Africa proudly received official Wales Rugby kit, generously delivered by the UK Deputy Consul General, Matthew Halksworth, at the request of His Royal Highness, Prince William.
The handover took place during a vibrant Atlas rugby coaching session, and the atmosphere was one of sheer excitement and pride. The kit, a gift from Wales Rugby at the special bequest of Kensington Palace, stands as a powerful symbol of recognition following HRH Prince William’s recent visit to the Atlas Project in Ocean View.
“The excitement of receiving these prize gifts from Wales Rugby, at the special bequest of Kensington Palace, was lost on no one,” said Sue Anderson, Trustee and Executive of Atlas South Africa. “They will be a long-standing reminder of the day that HRH Prince William came to visit our Atlas Project in Ocean View and the extreme pride and dignity generated from that. ”
Ocean View and Masiphumelele are neighbouring communities in Cape Town that, while culturally distinct, share common challenges such as high crime rates, gang violence, and substance abuse. These conditions have long affected school attendance, behaviour, and achievement among local youth.
In response, The Atlas Foundation SA has been working at grassroots level through its Atlas All Schools programme, offering rugby coaching, education, coding lessons, digital literacy, and health and well-being support, including the establishment of two Atlas Media Centres and regular mentorship activities.
The impact has been remarkable. From improved behaviour and attendance to cross-cultural friendships and growing self-confidence, young people in the programme are beginning to redefine what’s possible for their futures.
The royal visit by HRH Prince William, and now this generous gift from Wales Rugby, represent more than ceremonial gestures—they are deep affirmations of worth and recognition for young people too often overlooked. For many, the day the future King of England came to visit will be etched in memory for life.
Hear from Sue Anderson, Executive of Atlas South Africa, recount the special day:
“There was a magnificent wash of red as Wales Rugby kit was recently handed over to the boys and girls of The Atlas Foundation SA in Cape Town. A sincere thank you to the UK Deputy Consul General, Matthew Halksworth, for delivering the kit in kind at a recent Atlas coaching session at Masiphumelele High School.
The excitement of receiving these prize gifts from Wales Rugby, at the special bequest of Kensington Palace, was lost on no one and will be a long-standing reminder of the day that HRH Prince William came to visit our Atlas Project in Ocean View and the extreme pride and dignity generated from that. It touched not only the hearts of the young Atlas boys and girls, but the surrounding communities around the school and we will forever be grateful for that recognition and honour extended to all with the royal visit by the future King of England.
Ocean View and Masiphumelele are bordering communities in Cape Town, South Africa. Although culturally very different, both experience high crime rates and gangs, often having a knock-on effect on the children in the communities, with poor school attendance, behaviour and attainment. With the focus and attention of The Atlas Foundation SA, we have seen an exceptional impact in terms of cross-cultural friendships, respect, girl affirmation, discipline and inclusivity. Our Atlas rugby coaching is a lifeline and we underpin this with education (two Atlas Media Centres offering coding courses & instruction), girl empowerment, nutrition and well-being. Changing the narrative, step by step, by instilling pride and dignity!
We again extend our gracious and sincere thanks to HRH Prince William and to Wales Rugby for this wonderful contribution and more importantly for the powerful affirmation extended to these youngsters in our Atlas programme. “
The Atlas Foundation, founded by Jason Leonard OBE, continues to drive lasting change in communities across South Africa and beyond. Through initiatives like this, the message is clear: every child deserves the chance to thrive, and sometimes, that begins with the simple joy of pulling on a new jersey and knowing someone believes in you.
Discover More from Atlas South Africa
In 2019, we officially launched the ATLAS All Schools Programme in South Africa, sparking a powerful movement to combat crime, inequality, and discrimination while building resilience, integrity, and the potential for young people to thrive both in their education and in their lives. This initiative is far more than just education; it’s about empowering youth to rise above adversity and become pillars of strength and hope within their communities.
