Hanover Park — a suburb on Cape Town’s Cape Flats about 15 km southeast of the city centre — turned into a hub of sport and play this week as the City’s Recreation and Parks Department staged a day of traditional and indigenous games at the Downberg Sports Ground.
Hundreds of families, young people and elders took part in activities ranging from tyre and wooden go-kart races to snakes and ladders and dominoes. The programme was designed to reconnect residents with games passed down through generations and give young people a window into the childhoods of their parents and grandparents.
“Celebrations through sport and play reflect the richness of our traditions and the strength of our communities,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham. “By creating spaces where people can come together, we honour tradition, build pride and celebrate the spirit of who we are as Capetonians.”
Local ward councillor Alderman Antonio van der Rheede said such initiatives play a vital role in the upbringing of young people by fostering active communities and encouraging creativity. “Even the simplest games, played together, can help them reconnect with tradition in meaningful and enjoyable ways,” he noted.
The Hanover Park Sport and Play event forms part of the City’s broader push to foster active, inclusive communities and to use recreation as a vehicle for cultural connection. By creating safe, positive spaces for residents of all ages, the City aims to pass on values and traditions that will inspire future generations.
Social TV thanks Councillor Higham for recognising and engaging with our platform. We look forward to exploring how Social TV can be the perfect positive-news and social-impact partner to amplify initiatives like this across South Africa.
