Children of Ext 7 in Alex to have their own playground next to Marlboro Gautrain Station
A vacant piece of land next to the Marlboro Gautrain Station in Alexandra’s Ext 7 has been turned into a soccer field that children can now call their own.
Playing soccer and ‘mgusha’ in the midst of traffic and running the risk of being knocked over by motorists will soon be a thing of the past for the children of Ext 7 in Alexandra.
This is all courtesy of Ward 105 councillor Tefo Raphadu and his head of Sports, Art, Culture and Recreation Department in the ward, Sipho Khohlakala, along with site safety, health and environment officer Victoria Motaung who assured Alex News the children will have their own sports field as of September 26.
Khohlakala has acquired a vacant piece of land next to the Marlboro Gautrain Station, which he has turned it into a soccer field after raising R6 000 from a house-to-house collection toward the construction of the field which began in June.
With the assistance of Centurion-based Jodan Construction, which Khohlakala approached for help, the dumping site has been turned into a soccer field and Motaung said they were now just left with putting the final touches to the project and the ground will be ready for the children as of next week [September 26].
Jodan volunteered their services and equipment to finally make the dream become reality. “I have been worried sick about the youth turning to drugs and other unsavoury behaviours and the children playing in the streets and risking being run over by motorists.
“As residents we should not wait for the government to provide but roll up our sleeves and do it for ourselves. We are still urging sponsors to come forward and help the children with soccer equipment such as goal posts, the nets and marking the ground, including soccer balls and the like,” Khohlakala said.
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Khohlakala, who pointed out that Ext 7 had no hall and other community facilities, said residents were already coming up with events that they would like to host at the field, such as a summer event and another December 16 event.
“They are also free to put tents up for their funeral services and their braai events and kiddies’ birthdays but they must clean the space afterwards and keep it tidy. That’s all we ask for,” Motaung added.
Details: Sipho Khohlakala 081 581 0259; siphosilango@gmail.com
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