Safe hubs to unearth future sports stars
THE Jabulani Safe Hub sport facility, launched last year by the City of Joburg, promotes safer communities in Soweto by protecting children from social ills.
The project is a partnership with the City of Joburg (Johannesburg Development Agency, Johannesburg Property Company and Sports and Recreation) and South African Football Association Development Agency.
The Jabulani Safe Hub provides an alternative to the toxic environment of despair and hopelessness that many young people are exposed to within their communities. Built in what is often referred to as the “Sandton yase Kasie”, the Jabulani node has been transformed into a vibrant environment that’s changing Soweto’s skyline.
The node’s development objective looks at creating a safe space where it lures investors and different owners to refurbish buildings, change social cohesion to the best and attract investment in Region D.
The hub also boasts a full-size artificial pitch, swimming pool, outdoor courts, gym facility, kids play area and a perimeter fence. It has two bathrooms, office space, meeting rooms, counselling offices, a parking lot, board games room and a roof-top viewing area to use while enjoying food and beverages.
The hub is a symbol of strategic intervention where young people access services, opportunities and support from strong role models through a football-based after-school programmes with a focus on health, education and employability.
“The Safe-Hub does not only speak to the City of Johannesburg’s mandate of providing sport and recreation opportunities to the community, but also the forging of remarkable partnerships that can expand on that plan,” mayor Mpho Phalatse said.
“I am personally excited to witness the thrilling athletes to come out of our city. We cannot wait to get back to playing our loved sports with spectators filling the stand,” she said.
The city has three Safe-Hubs: Jabulani, Alexandra and Diepsloot.
A regular user of the hub in Jabulani, Faith Maphalala, says she’s found a new home away from home. “I really appreciate this opportunity that was given to us, especially as young women who want to see change and make the best out of this. I encourage my peers to come and participate in these programmes,” Maphalala said.
As a platform for innovative youth development, the Safe Hub infrastructure provides a campus for local NGOs, government and service providers.
“Soweto being the biggest region within the City of Joburg has the potential to generate next Olympic stars with the backing of external partnerships to make this dream a reality.
“By investing in the city, partners like Amandla confirm the trust and commitment to the youth, who are our future sports men and women,” Community Development MMC Ronald Harris said.