On Monday's episode of Morning Cruise, Bush Radio hosted Clifford Martinus, founder of Oasis, who is taking his team to the 2024 Homeless World Cup in South Korea.
Oasis, is a nonprofit organization and shelter that uses sports and other opportunities to create opportunities in the lives of the homeless population. Based in Schaapkraal, Oasis currently houses about 100 people.
This Thursday, Mandela Day, Oasis is recruiting team members for the 2024 Homeless World Cup, a football tournament that advocates for the end of homelessness through sport.
Martinus stressed the importance of players taking this tournament seriously.
“There’s no payment for you as a player,” said Martinus. “But there is opportunity for you as a player.”
Opportunities from this event include obtaining a passport to travel, integrating with people of other races and nationalities, seeing another country, and possibly getting a visa stamp.
For the past few years, Oasis has successfully sent team South Africa to the Homeless World Cup through the financial support of the Western Cape Government, including the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport. However, last year the team was unable to fund the trip to the United States.
Recently, team South Africa was invited to be a part of The Beautiful Game, a 2024 Netflix movie about the Homeless World Cup. Some of the former South Africa players were extras in the movie.
Clifford stated that certain situations can force people into homelessness or making bad decisions, but emphasized that people also have the capability to make different decisions and change their lives for the better.
Martinus described Oasis as an “extended home.” While some organizations only house people at night, Oasis centers on giving people a home and community where they can relearn life skills and good values.
Martinus attributed the survival of his business for 24 years, to God and his faith. His work began before democracy. Martinus has worked in correctional facilities, shelters, volunteering services, and throughout the streets of Cape Town.
Throughout its life, Oasis has endured many financial hardships. Martinus recounted of a time where he had to sell the company van to feed people at the organization.
“We’re not going to lose our focus because we can’t make ends meet,” said Martinus.
Oasis has requested that interested individuals and businesses to donate to Oasis by going to their website, oasisplace.co.za or reaching out to Martinus directly at 082-945-4812. Click here to be redirected to Oasis’ fundraising page.
Listen to the interview here
Presentor: Mkuseli Khusi Veto
Producer: Nikoletta Anagnostou
Written by Nikoletta Anagnostou
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