Vibrant sports field comes to life in Mbekweni

A multi-purpose sports field, a project of the Drakenstein Child Health Study (DCHS), has officially been unveiled at Langabuya Primary School, in Mbekweni, Paarl.

The initiative, led by the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Professor Heather Zar, in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, and several strategic partners, has made good on an undertaking taken some 10 years ago. Professor Zar told the story of how, as they were doing their community engagement with the school, top of the list was a multi-purpose field for learners.

The DCHS investigates the impact of early life exposures on development of health or disease. Key health outcomes measured in childhood include infectious disease, with a focus on lower respiratory tract illness, lung health, growth/nutrition, and neurodevelopment/mental health with careful phenotyping longitudinally done. It is also supported by UCT’s Lung Institute.

“The study has grown, and we have partnered with mothers and families. We started off working with over 1 000 mothers when they were pregnant and followed them through pregnancy and childbirth and continue to follow them,”  Zar explained about the study, adding, “90% have stayed in the study and it is a great tribute to partnerships and the people who work in the study.”

The study is located in the peri-urban Drakenstein district, Western Cape. Many of the DCHS participants attend Langabuya Primary School, and a strong partnership has been forged with the study leaders and the school. In the quaint town of Mbekweni on 25 July, children’s laughter and excitement filled the air as they were presented with the latest project at the school: the R1 million facility which will serve more than 1 530 children attending the school.

“We’ve been through difficult times together, including COVID-19 and through all these times, the strong partnership with the school and vision of the leadership and teachers has been extraordinary. Here we are, ten years later opening this wonderful field. To the parents and learners, we are privileged to be able to work with you and together,” said Zar.

“This incredible facility is testament to what can be achieved when we as a community come together.”

The school principal, Nothemba Ndevu led a benediction to mark the occasion. “Through prayer, poverty is broken. Through prayer, unemployment is gone. Through prayer things which seemed impossible are possible. May the people who brought this vision to life be blessed. This is a wonderful day in the life of the school, my life, the teachers’ lives and the students,” she said.

Skills, friendship, healthy competition

Drakenstein mayor, Stephen Korabie, said: “This isn’t just a patch of green land. It is a vibrant space that will foster teamwork, discipline, health and joy for generations to come. It is a place where future athletes will hone their skills, where friendships will be forged on the field and where the spirit of healthy competition will thrive. It is our responsibility as parents to make sure that it stays the centre of this school.”

“This incredible facility is testament to what can be achieved when we as a community come together. It beautifully exemplifies the importance of local organisations and businesses giving back to our community. Langabuya has dreams and needs and it is through the generous support of those who understand their role in upliftment that these dreams can become a reality.”

The learners got to see the ribbon cutting ceremony and took part in tree-planting, after which, it was time to text out the field, doing so with energy and skill.