Hope for unity in R2.6m upgraded Hout Bay complex
THE city hopes that a R2.6 million upgrade to the Hout Bay Sports Complex will unite the communities of Hangberg, Imizamo Yethu and Hout Bay through sport.
Mayor Patricia de Lille visited the facility yesterday and was seen playing football with local teams from the area.
The upgrade was welcomed yesterday by the SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco), which is based in Imizamo Yethu, and the Hout Bay Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association.
Welcoming those in attendance, De Lille said the event was “the culmination of yet another successful city project to benefit the community”.
“In 2012, we opened the first of our synthetic pitches in Imizamo Yethu, along with one in Hangberg.”
The city had spent R10m on the construction of the two facilities, which both complied with Fifa regulations, she said.
“Since its opening in 2012, the Imizamo Yethu pitch has been home to many tournaments which focus on developing our young soccer players, with three South African Football Association Cape Town junior tournaments and other youth tournaments taking place.
“Our administration is committed to a programme of redress, aimed at addressing the inequalities and imbalances of the past.
“As such, we have prioritised the provision of basic services to communities, but we also recognise the need for recreational spaces and amenities within our communities.
“We believe that sport has a unique ability to unite people, as well as providing them with an opportunity to develop new skills,” she said.
Sanco chairman Clifford Nogwavu said: “I feel very happy about the upgrade and that it opened today for the community as one.
“The complex will do a lot to bring the community together through sport.”
In the past, the communi- ties of Hangberg, Imizamo Yethu and Hout Bay were divided, Nogwavu said.
“At first it was difficult for the people of Hout Bay to accept Imizamo Yethu, but now we are working towards being an integrated community.”
Hout Bay Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association chairman Len Swimmer said the upgrade was “well-needed” and he was glad the facility would benefit the entire community.