12 new multi-purpose sport facilities to open pathways for learners
The Western Cape Government, through the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), will be delivering new multi-purpose shared sports facilities at 12 primary schools across the province, with an estimated investment of over R2 million per facility.
Last week marked an important milestone in the programme, with visits to four of the selected schools to celebrate their inclusion and formally announce the sporting infrastructure that will be developed in early 2027.
The week’s engagements began on Monday, 26 October, at W.A. Rossouw Primêre Skool in Montagu, followed by visits on Thursday, 29 October, to Downeville Primary School in Manenberg, Oklahomastraat Primêre Skool in Macassar and Du Noon Primary School in Dunoon.
The initiative forms part of the Western Cape School Sport Strategy (2025 to 2029), which is backed by an investment of R130 million over three years, and aims to expand access to quality sporting infrastructure, increasing learner participation and creating more opportunities for sporting development across urban and rural communities.
Each school will receive a multi-purpose sport court complete with fencing, solar lighting and a specialized sporting surface. The facilities will accommodate soccer, basketball, netball and volleyball, allowing learners to participate in multiple sporting codes within a single space.
Western Cape Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, welcomed the initiative, emphasising the importance of providing young people with safe and accessible sporting facilities.
Minister Mackenzie said: “Every child in the Western Cape deserves access to quality sporting facilities, regardless of where they live. Whether in Montagu, Manenberg, Macassar or Dunoon, we want our learners to have opportunities to participate in sport, develop their talents and reach their full potential.”
This initiative is aimed at strengthening access to quality sport and recreation infrastructure in underserved schools and communities while supporting mass participation and structured school sport.
Provincial Minister of Education Jaco Londt said, "Sport is part of a quality education. It helps keep learners in school, keeps them healthy, and it teaches them accountability and discipline – if you are late or don’t do your part, the whole team feels it. These 12 new multi-purpose facilities will help us nurture well-rounded learners who are prepared for both the classroom and life beyond it. It will also open pathways to success.”
The 12 schools were selected from 77 applications received through an open provincial application process in April 2026, reflecting the strong demand for improved school sporting infrastructure across the Western Cape.
The 77 applications underwent a structured assessment process, beginning with eligibility screening, followed by weighted scoring against criteria including learner participation, infrastructure readiness, gender inclusion and community benefit. A digital assessment system ensured a consistent and transparent evaluation, while district verification and joint provincial review by the Departments of Cultural Affairs and Sport and Education informed the final selection of schools.
All 12 selected schools are active Mass participation; Opportunity and access; Development and growth (MOD) Programme centres and will also receive sporting equipment to support participation in the relevant sporting codes.
“These investments are about more than building sporting facilities. They are about creating opportunities for our children to be active, participate in school sport and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Through our partnership with the Western Cape Education Department, we are working to ensure that more learners across the province have access to the infrastructure and opportunities they deserve,” said Minister Mackenzie.
The facilities are expected to be rolled out early next year.
Media Enquiries:
Simone Carter
Media Liaison Officer
Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 066 289 9174
Email: Simone.Carter@westerncape.gov.za