The new sport facility that was opened at the Credence Primary School on 2 January serves as a major facelift for the community of Heidedal, Bloemfontein.
The MultiChoice Group, through its SuperSport Schools Playing Fields Project, did the handover to Credence; in this way providing more than 1 000 learners with access to a safe, multipurpose facility designed to support grassroots development.
Gayton McKenzie, minister of sport, arts and culture, visited Heidedal to take part in the celebration and opening of the facility.
ANC Ward Councilor Logan Kruger said that the state-of-the-art facility within the boundaries of Heidedal would transform the community.
“A son of the soil who grew up right here in Heidedal came back and is saying to the community: Here is something for you.”
She said the new facility was greatly appreciated by all.
Calvo Mawela, chairperson of Canal+ Africa, said this was part of many similar projects across South Africa.
“We will continue with these projects, but it is wonderful to finally open this field on the minister’s home ground,” he said.
“With these projects, we try to enrich the lives of children and give them hope.”
The newly constructed facility will allow learners to participate in a range of sporting codes, including seven-a-side soccer, netball, modified hockey, touch rugby and volleyball.
Beyond physical activity, the facility is intended to strengthen school sport programmes and create a shared space for learners and the broader community.
“Sport teaches discipline, teamwork and resilience,” Mawela said.
“These are skills that stay with young people for life. By investing in school-based sporting facilities, we are helping to create environments where learners can discover their potential and develop both on and off the field.”
To support effective use of the facility, the MultiChoice Group also provided Credence with a Let’s Play Coach-in-a-Bag kit. In addition, school coaches will receive training in updated physical education methodologies to strengthen the quality of coaching and learner participation.
December Moloi, district director for the Mangaung Metro in the Department of Education, said they were humbled and grateful for this generosity.
“There are so many social ills in this community. The community of Heidedal battle gangsters, bullying, theft, vandalism and drugs.
“Giving the children this facility will help take them away from these problems. Instead of going to the streets, they will be able to play and lead more balanced lives.”
He pleaded with the community to look after the facility and use it to its full potential.
In addition to the donations made at Credence, teams of the Heide Primary School, Olympia Primary and Joe Solomon Primary received new kit and equipment at the ceremony.
McKenzie also attended the handing over of table tennis equipment donated to the People’s Republic of China in partnership with the South African Table Tennis Federation, to support youth and school sport development.
Swimming pool equipment was handed over as part of the legacy of the 2025 National School Sport Championship.
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