New Mamelodi sports court gives local youth a safe place to play and grow

Confidence beyond the touchline

By leveraging structured sport, the initiative aims to build confidence, strengthen community ties, and support mental well-being in an area where young people face significant socio-economic pressures.

For Alef Meulenberg, founder of the Rhiza Foundation, the project is ultimately about showing young people what is possible.

Empowerment, he explains, begins with creating an environment where children learn that their daily choices give them the power to shape their own lives.

Meulenberg stated that although providing a safe play area for young people is essential, focus must also be given to the skills learned after the game ends.

The qualities Meulenberg speaks of are "learning to make responsible decisions" and developing the confidence to "speak up, to work together and take ownership." These are the traits, he noted, that "help young people become active participants in their communities."

Safe spaces to play for all 

In communities such as Mamelodi, a township situated northeast of Pretoria in the Gauteng province, where young people face social and economic pressures and have limited recreational opportunities, safe spaces can provide an important alternative to unsafe or unstructured environments.

“A community becomes stronger when young people feel that they belong to it and that they have a role to play in it,” Meulenberg said. 

He said children should not see themselves merely as “recipients of opportunities”. Instead, it's important for them to recognise that they can contribute, lead, and help shape a community in which they want to live. 

Feeling a sense of belonging relates strongly to mental wellbeing, as some young people do not find it easy to open up about challenges at home or school. Sometimes, an important first step is having a place where they feel welcome.

“If a child comes to the court and learns to believe in themselves, handle disappointment or respect someone, that is progress,” Meulenberg said.

When young people begin to see themselves as capable of making good decisions, he added, sport becomes about more than producing football players.

The initiative also focuses on gender equality by giving young women equal access to the court and coaching.

A secure and inclusive environment can help young women develop their sporting skills, participate freely and take on leadership roles.

The organisers emphasised ensuring that equal access is supported by practical measures, including fair scheduling, appropriate coaching and clear safeguarding procedures.

Challenges outside the court

Organisers acknowledge that the facility cannot address every challenge facing the community.

“A single sports court cannot solve the structural causes of poverty, unemployment or violence,” Meulenberg said.

While a sports facility cannot solve these systemic issues on its own, it provides a crucial platform for sustained youth engagement.

The court's long-term impact will depend on the quality of its programmes, the dedication of its facilitators, and the extent to which local residents take ownership of the space to empower the next generation.

IOL