Playgrounds upgraded in Barberton

Originally published in July 2019

Children in Barberton, Mpumalanga, are enjoying brighter, safer, and more stimulating play spaces, thanks to a concerted effort to upgrade and improve local playgrounds.

What was the problem?

Children at many early childhood development centres in Barberton had no safe and fun places to play. Some centres lacked playgrounds completely, or many of those that did exist had fallen into disrepair, posing safety risks to children and limiting their opportunities for active play and social interaction. 

How did they fix it?

On Mandela Day in July 2019, education outreach organisation Penreach partnered with wood pulp and paper company Sappi to upgrade playgrounds at 2 early childhood development centres, Bantfwabetfu and Edu Care. This involved repairing existing equipment, installing new features and enhancing the overall safety and accessibility of these vital community assets. 

“Our playgrounds were unplayable. With these new improvements, the kids will enjoy playing in a safe environment,” says Vusi Ngomane, of the Bantfwabetfu ECD centre.

What made it work?

• Volunteer support: A team of volunteers started by clearing play areas and removing any hazardous items. Existing playground equipment was carefully repaired to ensure its safety. Outdated or unsafe equipment was replaced with durable and age-appropriate play structures, which were built by Sappi staff at a sawmill in Barberton. Volunteers also worked in the ECD centre’s vegetable gardens.  

• Long-term partnership: Rather than a once-off event, the efforts to upgrade the classrooms are part of a wider combined effort between Penreach and Sappi. Together, Sappi and Penreach supports 130 early learning centres in Mpumalanga every year, by training teachers and providing them with better materials.

Acknowledgements

Original article: Improved playgrounds put smiles many faces by Richard Nkosi

Photograph: Richard Nkosi