Transforming communities with recycled tyres: The launch of peace pitches on the Cape Flats
Present at the event were members of the Khoisan community, alongside the following individuals: Boomstomp Zeekiewiets, Bella Zeekiewiets, Vicky Sampson, Donovan Zeeman, Tiaan Zeeman, Timothy Kiewiets and Elzaan October
Image: Siyavuya Khaya
The launch of the third Pitch for Peace marks the beginning of an ambitious vision to transform school sports facilities and communities across the Cape Flats.
Speaking at the launch, director of Uthando SA, James Fernie, described the project as the start of something far bigger than a single sports field.
“Today is really the start of what we would love to see, a pitch created out of 200 tyres, filled with building rubble and topped with recycled AstroTurf. Our vision is to see these kinds of pitches in every single school in Hanover Park and Heideveld,” he said.
The initiative will begin with 15 schools, with plans to establish an inter-school league once the first phase is complete.
He said they were going to start by setting up a league between schools, and once that is successful, they will expand into other communities such as Manenberg, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, and Athlone.
School principal, Evan Petersen, expressed his excitement about the new sports facility, highlighting its potential to inspire pupils, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide a safe space for recreation and community activities
Image: siyavuya khaya
Central to the project is sustainability. By recycling waste materials, particularly tyres, the pitches not only provide safe spaces for sport but also serve as hands-on environmental education tools.
“In the process of building these pitches, children and the broader community learn about the importance of caring for the environment. It becomes a learning opportunity that shows what can be done with waste material,” he said.
The labour-intensive nature of the project also creates job opportunities and allows for skills transfer within the community.
Through this process, Mr Fernie said jobs will be created, and skills will be passed on.
Looking ahead, Uthando SA is working alongside the Cape Flats Sports Academy on a groundbreaking long-term plan.
“We’ve identified a three-hectare piece of land where we plan to build the first indoor centre of its kind anywhere in the world - constructed from 150 000 recycled tyres. It’s something that’s never been done before,” he said.
This is a sports field that has been creatively constructed using recycled tyres and building rubble, turning discarded materials into a functional space for the community. The innovative approach not only provides a safe area for children and youth to play but also highlights sustainable practices by repurposing waste that would otherwise be left to pollute the environment
Image: siyavuya khaya
The academy is currently in negotiations with the City to secure the land. It will be revolutionary - an act of love built entirely from recycled materials, he said.
At Athwood Primary School, the impact of the initiative is already being felt. Principal Evan Peterson emphasised the importance of the project in protecting young people from the dangers surrounding them.
“This initiative is aimed at keeping our youth off the streets. Our pupils are in daily contact with gangsters, and many are targeted. We want to keep them safe,” he said.
He added that the pitch sends a powerful message about sustainability and possibility.
“The pitch shows that recycled material can be used in a meaningful way. It helps protect the environment while giving our learners a safe space to play and grow,” he said.
Award-winning comedian, Dalin Oliver, expressed his excitement about initiatives in communities that aim to bring about positive change. He welcomed the growing interest from international tourists, noting that it’s encouraging to see visitors exploring our communities, learning about our culture, and experiencing life in our townships.
Reflecting on his own upbringing, Mr Oliver shared that he grew up playing sports under the guidance of coaches and uncles who often said, “A kid in sport is a kid out of trouble.”
As youngsters, they would laugh at the phrase, but over time, they realized the truth in it. He added that local coaches often play multiple roles, acting not only as mentors and trainers but also as parents and big brothers to the youth.
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