How a Coalition of Independent Power Producers Turned Pool into a Powerhouse Sport for Rural Youth
De Aar & Britstown, Northern Cape – 30 July 2025
What began as a few curious youngsters knocking balls around makeshift tables in township shebeens has become one of the Northern Cape’s most uplifting sport-development stories. In just three years, the De Aar Pool players Association (DAPA) has grown into a structured junior programme with formal coaching clinics, competition-grade equipment and a membership base that now spans three towns.
DAPA’s rapid rise is fuelled by a tight-knit alliance of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and their community trusts. Lilitha Solar PV anchors the initiative by funding coaching stipends, life-skills workshops, equipment and a practice venue. Complementing Lilitha’s support, Sibona Ilanga, Solar Capital De Aar, Solar Capital De Aar 3, and Mulilo Solar & Wind Community Trusts have financed competition-grade cues and tables and covered transport and event costs. By pooling resources, the group has secured financing for every aspect of the programme over the past three seasons.
From Stigma to Structure
“Three years ago, pool carried a heavy stigma; many parents linked it to late-night shebeen culture,” recalls DAPA founder and chairperson Anthony Oliphant. “Today our players wear team shirts, follow a code of conduct and maintain a 70 percent school-attendance requirement. It’s a complete mindset shift.”
Membership has quadrupled since 2022, with girls now making up 30 percent of the roster, an intentional target aligned with Lilitha Solar’s socio-economic development programme mandate to widen access for young women in sport.
DAPA’s competitive surge paid off spectacularly this season: During their recent participation at the South African Blackball Championships ten players – spanning the under-15, under-18 and under-23 divisions – earned national colours to represent South Africa. Adding to the trophy cabinet, youth coach Ismael Moosa captured silver in the men’s division, underscoring the programme’s ability to develop talent across all age groups.
Holistic Development, Not Just Trick Shots
Regular workshops backed by Lilitha Solar PV cover goal-setting, nutrition and even renewable-energy awareness, linking sport to the green-economy careers emerging around local IPP projects.
“Pool is a mental game of patience and respect,” says Franklin Jasson (15), one of DAPA’s newly minted national representatives. “The programme taught me to plan my shots and my future.”
“DAPA’s success isn’t just this season’s medals; it’s a pipeline. With national honours for ten players and a men’s silver from the youth coach, the programme is building confident, disciplined young people who bring those habits back to classrooms, homes, and clubs across De Aar and Britstown.” notes Abner Wagenaar, Economic Development Manager at Lilitha Solar PV.