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A field of Rainbow Nation dreams

Vince van der Bijl and Masi Community Liaison Officer Mfundiso Ngetu at the site of the new field

The new astroturf field under construction at Ukhanyo Primary looks fantastic. This 60x30m field will open up a whole new world of home matches for the school, which in turn will bring the South Peninsula together as parents, staff, coaches and players congregate there. MasiSports passionately believes that social cohesion will enable our vison of a Rainbow Nation in our Valley. That is the significance of this field.

This field will be named the Ingrid Wheeler field. American Fred Alger lived with his partner, Ingrid, in Cape Town’s Steenberg Estate for over four years and loved the beauty, diversity and energy of South Africa. He had visited Ukhanyo Primary School two years ago and supported our project. Tragically Ingrid died in December last year, and Fred generously gave the funds to build this field in her memory. What a legacy that is, as it will serve generations to come in building our nation. Covid willing, Fred will attend the opening ceremony in November when he visits Masiphumelele and Cape Town. We have promised him a Jerusalema dance, with staff and learners, to celebrate. Our hip hop dancers with our principal, Michael Tyhali, will lead the way. What a day of celebration that will be.

Up until now, the project has been on time – but the completion date of end August has been delayed due to the SA Ports IT system being hacked! The Masi Community Liaison Officer, Mfundiso Ngetu (seen with Vince at the field), ensures local labour is employed where possible and the local community and school are updated about the progress of the field. He has been marvellous in this role.

The school is excitedly anticipating the field’s completion. When Vince told principal Michael Tyhali about the new field funding by Fred Alger, he could not hold back his tears. “I never thought this would happen in my lifetime,” he replied.

Thank you Fred Alger — you have enabled Ukhanyo to fulfill its purpose of giving the children an holistic education of sport, life skills and academic excellence.

This is a “township Model C school”.