A multipurpose sports court was launched at Orlando West Community Park on Tuesday, 28 November.
Powerade, in collaboration with Community Development and Joburg City Parks Zoo, unveiled the versatile sports court in Orlando West, Soweto.
The facility which will cater for netball, basketball and soccer is situated at a park and is easily accessible for all community members of all ages.
Lubabalo Magwentshu, MMC for Community Development, emphasized the facility's role in promoting a healthy lifestyle within the community.
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“When people are healthy chances of visiting health care facilities become slim. This will assist the community as a whole,” he said.
Magwentshu urged the community to take care of the facility.
“There’s nothing as seeing facilities being vandalized by the community. The very same communities that are supposed to using the facilities,” he said.
While Magwentshu didn't disclose the project's cost, he highlighted the city's collaboration with external entities or individuals to address service needs that exceed the government's budget.
He said the city relies mostly on revenue collection for it to be able to render service.“Our communities are faced with various social economic challenges that include unemployment which then makes it difficult for them to pay rates and taxes,” Magwentshu said.
Ramokone Ledwaba, Marketing Director for Coca-Cola South Africa (Powerade), said the partnership's significance in addressing the challenges faced by today's youth.
“It’s important that the youth take care of themselves as part of their wellbeing and this is where the partnership comes in," Ledwaba said.
Soccer player Linda Mtambo, a product of the community, expressed optimism about the facility's positive impact on the community, especially the younger generation.
“I am a product of it takes a village to raise a child, and coming from this community, I believe that this is a life changing facility for the kids as our future leaders,” he said.
