George Ramalu Memorial Trust and Azelis South Africa pledge support as DASC heads towards its 20th anniversary.

DURBAN — The Durban Africa Sports Club (DASC) has received a major boost for its youth development programmes, with the George Ramalu Memorial Trust and Azelis South Africa committing R100,000 towards DASC’s programmes for the 2027 financial year.

The announcement by Mr Boston Moonsamy, Managing Director of Azelis South Africa and Trustee of the George Ramalu Memorial Trust, was made at the launch of DASC’s “One Goal, One Education” Programme at Hotel Savera on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.

The funding comes at a significant time for DASC, which will celebrate its 20th Anniversary in 2027.

It is also a particularly meaningful year for the George Ramalu Memorial Trust, as 2026 marks 25 years since the passing of the late George Ramalu, the highly respected football administrator and community leader whose legacy continues through initiatives that use sport to create opportunities and transform lives.

Boston congratulated DASC on its outstanding work and recent achievements, praising the organisation for its commitment to “touching and changing lives.”

He also commended DASC on being recognised as Recreation Body of the Year by the eThekwini Municipality and the KZN Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, as well as its nomination for the SA Sports Awards.

FROM MOUNT EDGECOMBE TO THE WORLD

Boston’s own story adds a powerful human dimension to his commitment to DASC.

Introducing him, former school principal and former Director of High Performance and Coaching in the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation, Prem Vayapuri, reflected on a journey that began in the sugar estates of New Farm and Saccharine in the Mount Edgecombe area.

At Verulam Secondary School, Boston excelled academically, particularly in Mathematics and Science, earning the prestigious Dux Award.

He was also a talented sportsman, earning provincial colours in football and excelling in the 400 metres.

He later studied Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Durban-Westville, completing an Honours degree in Biochemistry.

In 2005, Boston took the bold step into entrepreneurship and co-founded Umongo Petroleum. In 2017, the company reached another milestone when the Omnia Group acquired a majority stake.

Today, as Managing Director of Azelis South Africa, Boston is an internationally recognised business leader, with his leadership and entrepreneurial achievements receiving recognition in London, New York and Dubai.

But his success is measured by more than business achievements.

It is measured by what he does with that success.

Through the George Ramalu Memorial Trust, Umongo Petroleum and Azelis, Boston has been involved in supporting more than 400 entities, with assistance exceeding R10 million.

Behind that figure are schools, organisations, communities and individuals whose lives have been touched by opportunities created through this commitment to giving back.

That philosophy is at the heart of One Goal, One Education—the belief that sport and education, when combined with opportunity and committed mentorship, can change the trajectory of young lives.

DASC’S YEAR OF RECOGNITION

DASC Chairperson Maggie Govender welcomed principals and educators and thanked them for their continued commitment to the programme.

She also expressed DASC’s sincere appreciation to Boston Moonsamy, the George Ramalu Memorial Trust and Azelis South Africa for their generous and longstanding support.

Maggie highlighted DASC’s outstanding achievements during the year, including being named Recreation Body of the Year by the eThekwini Municipality, receiving Recreation Body of the Year recognition from the KZN Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, and being nominated for the SA Sports Awards.

Prem also reminded guests of DASC’s earlier achievement of receiving Silver Status from the KZN Department of Sports and Recreation, emphasising that these accolades were the result of years of dedicated work by DASC coaches, volunteers, educators and partners.

Also present was Mr Maya Singh, former principal, former President of the Natal High Schools Sports Federation and former President of the South African Senior Schools Sports Association.

The launch brought together education and sporting leaders around a common belief: sport is much more than competition—it can be a powerful vehicle for education, discipline, personal development, social cohesion and community upliftment.

As DASC enters its 20th anniversary year, the R100,000 commitment from the George Ramalu Memorial Trust and Azelis South Africa provides more than financial assistance.

It provides confidence in DASC’s vision, support for its programmes and opportunities for the young people it serves.

For Boston Moonsamy, it is another investment in a philosophy that has already touched hundreds of organisations and communities.

For DASC, it is a powerful endorsement of two decades of service.

And for the young people who will benefit, it could be the opportunity that changes everything.

ONE GOAL. ONE EDUCATION. ONE COMMUNITY.

ONE OPPORTUNITY CAN CHANGE A LIFE.