Minister Anroux Marais' speech at launch of field in a box, Oasis in Phillippi

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPORT, ANROUX MARAIS

LAUNCH OF FIELD IN A BOX: OASIS 

14 APRIL 2018

Good day, goeiemôre, molweni nonke,

I am absolutely delighted to be present and a part of this very significant launch of the new field in a box pitch at Oasis in Phillippi. Making the occasion even more auspicious is that this facility is centrally located, making it accessible to our youth who are in dire need of positive development through sport.

Within the brief time that I have become acquainted with the Oasis team and with each interaction, I am blown away by their enthusiasm to effect real change in our most vulnerable communities through sport and the provision of positive lifestyle coaching. There is no doubt in my mind that this innovative, exciting and sustainable project will redress the socio-economic challenges we are all affected by on a daily basis. Through their proactive efforts and will to succeed, I am convinced that this facility will become the beacon of hope and the enabling environment for the holistic development of the individual and the collaborative upliftment of our communities.

I thank all who had a hand in the success of this launch, the progress Oasis has already made and those who will drive this much needed well-oiled machine in the years to come. Your selfless contributions are much appreciated and does not go unnoticed. I wholeheartedly thank the UEFA Foundation for Children, Fedex and Street Football World for investing in the potential of our youth and capitalising on the promise the greater Western Cape has to offer to the benefit of all who call it home.

I look forward to acknowledging and celebrating the many successes honed through this collaborative project and will follow its progress very closely as more and more opportunities are unlocked to empower an increased number of youth needed to be better versions of themselves.

I trust all who makes use of this field will leave more empowered and determined to live a life of value, one which positively influences another. Sooner rather than later, we will see a collective mind-set shift in our communities as projects of this nature is sure to increase trust, social inclusivity, quality education and confidence in the human spirit to contribute to the enrichment of our communities and the wellbeing of the South African condition.

I thank you.