Imizamo Yethu Sports Centre
Imizamo Yethu
In the past many of the black residents of Hout Bay could not afford, and by law
were not allowed, to buy property or homes.
They had no choice but to look for vacant land on which their temporary homes
were built.
This was done in many cases without permission and lead to much unhappiness
and aggravation with their white fellow residents.
In 1989 the local government intervened and a piece of property was developed
with basic services (roads, water and sewerage) on which black residents were
allowed to build their temporary shelters.
They named it: Imizamo Yethu Estate (Xhosa for ‘our combined effort’)
Since its inception Imizamo Yethu has more than doubled in size and it is
estimated that approximately 18,000 people reside there now.
The gym
• there is a small gym in Imizamo Yethu which has been running since 1996
• many children have joined with aspirations of becoming professionals or
participating the Olympics
• they are very enthusiastic and enjoy the training
• the gym has produced an SA champ at amateur level, 4 gold medals and
three silver in different categories and has hopes to cultivate more
However,
• the space is not conducive for a proper work out
• professional boxers have advised that they are actually doing themselves a
disservice in working out in such a small space
• there is lack of funding for transport to tournaments, doctors visits,
equipment, boxing kit
The vision
• to build a bigger premises on the 16 hectare field that has been allocated
for recreational purposes
• to create a sports centre that will accommodate men, women and children
training on all levels
• a sports centre with a fully equipped gym, a soccer field, cricket pitch,
a swimming pool and tennis court
• a sports centre that is accessible to the Imizamo Yethu community
• Orange Kloof Primary School will have access to this sports centre
Why?
• to keep kids off the street
• through countless studies doctors have found that when people exercise
they release an endorphin that theoretically makes them fell happy
• doctors often prescribe exercise as part of the treatment for depression
• this facility will enable the people of Imizamo Yethu to work out
and keep healthy
• it will give the community a sense of pride
• adults & kids will have a place to release stress & anxiety rather than
turning to alcohol or drugs and violence
The immediate plan
• a boxing tournament in Imizamo Yethu
• to launch fundraising for the new sports centre
• to create social awareness and upliftment in the Hout Bay Community
and Cape Town
The event
• a day of sport, family and fun
• a boxing tournament with professional and amateur boxers, women
and children
• 3 professional fights
• 5 amateur fights
• live entertainment (Jikeleza dance group & Heal the Hood B-Boyz etc)
• a soccer tournament
• a play area with jumping castles for children
• a VIP tent with live feed of the tournament
Jikeleza Dance Group
• Children’s dance group from Imizamo yethu
• Non-profit organization
Heal the Hood B-Boyz
• not for profit organization keeping kids off the street through Hip Hop
• founded by Emile Jansen, Hip Hop activist from Black Noise
Baby Jake Matlala
• celebrity mc
• media drawcard
The boxing promoter
Josie Borain
• registered boxing promoter
• an active member of the Hout Bay community
• wanting to make a difference in Imizamo Yethu
• ex international model
• photographer and film director
• well respected in the media industry
The target audience
• the Imizamo Yethu community
• ages 9-35years
• the greater Hout Bay community
• media
• corporates ( to raise funding)
The marketing
• Print: A2 posters(1000) and A6 Flyers (3000) to be distributed
in local communities and local gyms
• PR: Radio: 567, Good Hope fm, 104 Heart
• PR: TV: Etv (“Let’s Fix it”) & SABC 1
• PR: Press: Cape Argus, Cape Times, Community Newspapers eg. Sentinel
• A documentary will be filmed by acclaimed film maker Janet Kennedy
and submitted to the Sundance Film Festival
The fundraising