Learners, educators and community leaders gathered in celebration as Western Cape minister for Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie officially broke ground on a new multi-purpose shared sport court at Oklahoma Street Primary School in Macassar on Thursday 29 October.

The sod-turning ceremony marks the beginning of a transformative project designed to provide all-weather athletic training while serving as a safe haven for local youth.

The event opened with a warm welcome from teacher Stephan Louw, followed by a spiritual grounding through a scripture reading by deputy head girl Kayla Fisher. Head girl Yosrah Simons delivered a moving address on behalf of the learner body, capturing the long-felt absence of indoor infrastructure.

“Until now, we have had no indoor facility. When we work to keep our dreams on course, we need a safe space to do so. We promise to look after this facility and make you proud.”

Turning point for school sports

Principal JoAnn Appolis reflected on the historical significance of the project, noting that the ground had remained empty for years despite the immense athletic potential harboured by the school’s learners.

“For many years this was an empty piece of ground. Our kids have talent and energy, but sometimes due to weather conditions, practice has to be cancelled and matches moved. Today that changes,” Appolis stated.

She highlighted the institution’s rich legacy of athletic achievement despite limited resources, proudly noting that Olympian Geraldine Pillay was groomed at Oklahoma Street Primary, and pointing to recent successes such as Logan Welman, who is part the Springbok women’s rugby team.

Appolis emphasised that the new venue will serve as more than just a gymnasium – it will be a vital community anchor. “We know a child occupied by sports is a child out of court. We can finally plan a full sports and culture programme throughout the year without disruptions, no matter the weather… This facility belongs to our community.”

Facility specifications

The multi-purpose facility is being constructed by the Western Cape government through the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, in partnership with the Western Cape Education Department, at an estimated cost of over R2 million.

The 648 m² facility is engineered to support a comprehensive range of athletic disciplines, including soccer, basketball, netball and volleyball. To ensure security and year-round usability, the build will feature specialised sports surfacing, robust fencing and solar lighting.

Construction is officially scheduled to run from 25 January to 1 March 2027, with final project close-out anticipated by 31 May 2027, subject to procurement, approvals and site readiness. This investment forms part of a broader provincial programme benefiting 12 primary schools across the province, aimed at expanding access to quality school sport infrastructure and creating greater participation opportunities.

Building a legacy

Mackenzie addressed the audience, detailing the provincial government’s strong commitment to youth development and school athletics. He revealed that school sports is a core priority he champions, after being asked by premier Alan Winde to identify five major deliverables for the term.

“If you can play sport in the afternoon, you will not become part of a gang,” Mackenzie asserted.

Acknowledging the financial hurdles, he shared that the department successfully secured an impressive R130 million dedicated to school sports infrastructure across the province. Oklahoma Street Primary was selected as the site for the province’s third primary-school indoor facility as a result of the school’s exceptional sports culture and the compelling case put forward by the staff and community.

Adding a generational bridge to the celebration, the very first principal of Oklahoma Street Primary, Arthur Cupido, was present at the ceremony. He shared a few words of deep appreciation and thanksgiving, while motivating learners to embrace the new opportunities coming their way.

Cupido joined Mackenzie and the current school leadership for the symbolic turning of the sod, marking the official start of construction.

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