OFM content manager Elzette Boucher-Krüger spoke to Maureen Malaka, the Director of Infrastructure and Project Management at Sol Plaatje University, to find out more about SPU’s Sport Precinct and what this means for the Northern Cape and South Africa.

On Friday, 24 March 2023, distinguished guests and Sol Plaatje University (SPU) officials gathered as Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Andrew Crouch, formally unveiled the SPU Sport Precinct. The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) part-funded the project.

Situated in Kimberley’s city centre, the mixed-use Sport Precinct is a first-of-its-kind facility in the Northern Cape , offering an array of sporting amenities, student residences, conference facilities, and sport offices. The state-of-the-art sporting facilities, including football, netball, hockey, tennis, basketball, rugby, cricket, and volleyball arenas, will not only elevate SPU’s sporting activities and excellence but also benefit the wider Northern Cape community.

As the Northern Cape’s very first public university, SPU has injected new life and purpose into an entire region. Now, with the development of state-of-the-art sporting facilities, it is taking its inspiring mission of community involvement one step further.

The SPU Sport Precinct opens up vast opportunities for all its staff and students – in particular, its talented athletes in various sporting codes. But it also represents a sporting and recreational lifeline for the wider community. The university has made the precinct available to the public and for local professional teams like Griquas Rugby and the Hungry Lions football club. It promises an exceptional visitor experience to sportsmen and -women and spectators of all ages.

During the event, an energetic atmosphere filled the ground as attendees enjoyed various sporting activities, showcasing the precinct’s potential to bring people together and create unforgettable memories. Among the highlights are two sport pavilions and the Windhoek Draught Park Stadium (acquired by the university in 2021), which will host prestigious recreational events and sport tournaments.

The NLC, a crucial supporter of the SPU Sport Precinct project, has played a vital role in establishing this ground-breaking facility in the province. Ms Scholtz expressed her pride in being part of the project, saying, “The NLC intends to provide opportunities for our youth, in so doing it is vital to use education in our fight against poverty. We are proud to have been part of this project with Sol Plaatje University, as the university cements its mark in the province. These sport facilities will have a great impact on the Northern Cape community at large and will increase the number of sporting programmes for the university and surrounding community.”

In his keynote speech, Prof Crouch emphasised the significance of sports in nation-building, stating, “The vision and strategic direction of Sol Plaatje University is anchored on achieving social justice in society. Sport is deeply embedded in all social aspects of South Africa and goes much deeper than just a sport that is watched for fun. Sport has been used to unite people, entertain, and create opportunities for people throughout the country who would not have had these opportunities otherwise.” He also outlined the strategic objectives of sports at SPU, which include increasing knowledge, producing sporting excellence, generating income, and creating a high-performance sport centre, all while supporting the academic mission of the university.

Experience the ultimate in sports and recreation at the SPU Sport Precinct which boasts an extensive array of modern sport and recreational facilities which include:

• A hockey Astro turf with practice field
• Netball, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts
• A dual-purpose rugby and soccer stadium, plus dual-purpose football and cricket fields
• A cross-fit gym, cricket nets, and exercise space
• A sports pavilion overlooking the soccer fields and volleyball courts, housing change-rooms, a sports store, a tuck shop and eating areas, recreation and lounge areas, offices, and meeting rooms
• A second sports pavilion overlooking the hockey fields and multipurpose hard courts, featuring a First Aid room and a Commentators box
• Various other multi-functional buildings such as the Multipurpose Hall, an existing building refurbished and renovated into a versatile hall for graduations, large lectures, or theatre productions
• A Staff Recreation Facility, accommodating administrative and academic staff with conference facilities, lounges, offices, and a dining hall, including inside and outside seating areas
• The Eco Centre, comprising a recycling area, maintenance yard, workshops, and storage facilities
• Modern Student Residences, offering accommodation for over 700 students, along with an additional six wardens’ apartments and eight seminar rooms
• The Bulk Services Building, providing water storage and treatment equipment, pump rooms, and IT and electrical infrastructure

With these exceptional amenities in place, the SPU Sport Precinct is poised to become a vibrant hub for the university and the broader Northern Cape community, promoting unity and excitement through sports and recreation.