Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Sponsor launches ‘Hands on the Future’ community journey through Cape Town
Every journey starts somewhere. For many South Africans, sport is a unifier – of belief, of hope, and of the dreams that pioneer our future. As a central muscle to our nation’s heartbeat, football acts as the connective tissue catapulting young stars to brighter horizons and uplifting communities across the country.
This week, Hisense South Africa united the journey from the local soccer field to the daily commute through a uniquely Cape Town experience that celebrated football, community, and the power of believing that anything is possible.
As the Official Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Hisense South Africa launched Hands on the Future, a proudly South African initiative that took a group of young footballers from Khayelitsha on a journey from their local pitch to places of possibility. Accompanied by a striking convoy of custom-branded Hisense FIFA World Cup™ taxis, the children traveled through the city, visiting the Hisense Atlantis Factory before making their way to one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks: Table Mountain on Tuesday, 14 July.
The destination was chosen for a reason.
Standing high above the city, with Cape Town stretching out in every direction, each young player was asked to answer one simple question: What is your biggest dream?
For some, the dream was to proudly wear the Bafana Bafana jersey one day, an honourable badge worn close to the heart. Others spoke about becoming teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and leaders within their own communities. There were no right answers; the exercise was simply about encouraging young hearts to look beyond their current circumstances and imagine where life could take them.
“The Hands on the Future campaign, brought to life through our specially branded taxi journey, represents something much bigger than getting from one place to another,” says Luna Nortje, Deputy General Manager for Hisense South Africa. “It is about possibility. We want every young dreamer to understand that where they begin does not define the final score. Life, much like football, is about what you do with the opportunities in front of you, and believing that your future is bigger than your current circumstances.”
The journey included an educational visit to the Hisense Atlantis Factory (the largest television manufacturing facility in Sub-Saharan Africa) before stopping at the innovative Hisense Tevolution Museum in Cape Town. Here, the children got to connect local manufacturing and world-class technology firsthand, even leaving their own lasting mark on the space by painting a collaborative community mural. It was a powerful experience that bridged a global sports sponsorship directly with South African production, creative expression, and real homegrown pride.
But the journey did not end when the taxis stopped.
To ensure a lasting practical legacy, Hands on the Future culminated in a major kit handover and community football tournament in partnership with the Pitso Mosimane Youth Football (PMYF) programme. In Cape Town, the initiative kicked off by donating full kits and essential training equipment to 4 local teams, empowering 68 young players in Cape Town. The young athletes then competed in a mini-tournament for the Hisense Future Trophy, celebrating teamwork, resilience, and community spirit.
This Cape Town launch is only the beginning of a nationwide drive. Hisense South Africa has confirmed that the campaign will next expand to Johannesburg, where an additional 16 teams (comprising 272 players) will receive full kits and equipment to support their sporting development.
Every day, local taxis carry children to school, players to training, families to work, and supporters to football matches. Along the way, they carry conversations, friendships, and countless stories. For many communities, the taxi is far more than transport; it is a vital heartbeat of daily life. Through Hands on the Future, Hisense has honoured that spirit, showing how a global platform can be lived with profound local impact.
“We hope every young player walked away believing in their potential,” Nortje added. “Football teaches resilience, teamwork, and determination, but it also reminds us that every great achievement starts with someone daring to believe they can get there.”
By the time the group left Table Mountain, they had taken home far more than photographs of one of the world’s most recognisable views. They left with a tangible reminder that every incredible journey begins with believing the destination is possible.
For more information about Hisense South Africa and the Hands on the Future campaign, please visit hisense.co.za.
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