From gang den to sports haven

Originally published on 31 July 2024

In Vereeniging, a park that was once full of crime became a busy sports hub. This change happened because of a local businessperson's hard work and help from the community.

What was the problem?

Vereeniging Park in Gauteng province was a place where crime was bad. Drug users and gangsters were often there. The park had been left in bad shape for over ten years, with no proper fence or upkeep, which made crime worse.

How did they solve it?

Xolani Mathumbo, the CEO of Remember Elite Sport Academy, decided to fix the park. He was upset that local leaders did not act, so he got community members and sponsors to change the park into a modern sports place.

So how did they do it?

• Mathumbo used his own money and his mother's savings to start the project.
• They built a 1.3-kilometre wall around the park, which helped lower crime.
• The park now had green fields, seats for fans, a gym, and homes for players and staff.
• The academy helped more than 280 young athletes. It gave them sports training and paid school fees for many.
• Eight players became professionals because of the project, including a 16-year-old who joined Supersport United.

Mathumbo said private-public partnerships were important. He said, "A private-public partnership can only work if we understand that the government can’t do everything and, as citizens, we must play our part."

Supporting community initiatives but keep pushing the government to do its job

Mathumbo asked companies to help with community projects and sports activities. He thanked the sponsors and encouraged more companies to get involved to keep the academy growing. While these successful partnership projects are important, it is still the responsibility of local municipalities to help fund and support them.

Acknowledgements:

Original article written by: Jabulile Mbatha

Photograph supplied by: Michel Bega

Source

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

• How to set up a community group
• How to start a WhatsApp group
• How to start a residents' association
• How to set up a community policing forum
• How to set up a neighbourhood watch
• How to organise community action
• How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.