Two innovative sports courts were recently launched in Gauteng and the Western Cape. These courts are not only awesome places to play soccer and basketball, but they’re also helping communities in need. By harvesting rainwater, they’re providing a vital resource to people who often struggle to access clean water.
South Africa (13 December 2024) – Two new awesome Cruyff Courts have opened their doors in Gauteng and the Western Cape, offering more than just a place to play sports. These innovative facilities are symbols of hope and inclusivity, empowering communities and addressing the critical issue of water scarcity.
Equipped with cutting-edge water harvesting and filtration systems, these fields now double as sources of fresh drinking water for their surrounding neighbourhoods in poverty-stricken areas.
The system collects rainwater, purifies it and stores it in a designated container. A tap affixed to the container’s exterior allows community members to draw clean water with ease.
Rhiza Babuyile, a leading South African community development NPO, in collaboration with the Johan Cruyff Foundation, unveiled the two Cruyff Courts last month.
These new courts promise a safe space for the physical and mental health development of children and youth, including those with disabilities. They also foster an inclusive environment that promotes gender equity and challenges harmful social norms like gang violence and drug addiction.
At least ten schools from the local vicinity can use the court according to a designated schedule. They can exercise there under the supervision of accredited training courses.
The first of two Cruyff Courts was inaugurated on 28 November at the Rhiza Agricultural Farm in Orange Farm, Gauteng, and the second was unveiled on November 30, at Louwville High School in Vredenburg, Western Cape.
Both locations were strategically chosen to serve as safe, accessible, and inclusive spaces for children and youth in communities facing significant socio-economic challenges.
“South Africa’s water crisis has intensified in recent years with water scarcity making it challenging to develop and maintain vital infrastructure, including sports facilities. The Cruyff Courts’ innovative design not only overcomes these barriers but also transforms the fields into sustainable, multi-purpose assets,” said Alef Meulenburg, founder of the Rhiza Foundation.
The forward-thinking initiative underscores how sustainable design can address environmental challenges while fostering social development.
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“By integrating sports and essential services, these Cruyff Courts provide hope and practical solutions to some of South Africa’s most vulnerable communities,” added Meulenburg.
Meulenburg and Niels Meijer, director of the Johan Cruyff Foundation, have a long history together from their time in the basketball world, where they both competed at a high level. When they reconnected, they quickly recognised numerous shared values and opportunities to collaborate.
“This partnership with the Johan Cruyff Foundation is a game changer for our communities. We’re thrilled to see this vision come to life and to provide the youth of Orange Farm and Vredenburg with the space to grow, thrive, and lead. We are committed to providing the children of South Africa with a space that fosters both physical and mental health,” said Meulenburg.
“The Cruyff Courts are designed to be inclusive, where everyone, regardless of gender, ability, or background, can come together and enjoy sports in a safe and supportive environment.”
Rhiza Babuyile’s work is rooted in community development, focusing on healthcare, skills development, education, and economic empowerment.
Through the partnership with the Johan Cruyff Foundation, they continue to lead the charge in addressing inequality and creating lasting opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
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