The community of Steenberg and Lavender Hill came together on Freedom Day Wednesday 27 April for a family day of sport, games, musical acts and entertainment.
Organiser of the event Peter Martin, Chair of the Steenberg Community Forum (SCF), said the day was planned so that families could spend the time free from worries of crime and violence in the area.
“One of our objectives as the SCF was to bring the community together on Freedom Day and to offer some fun and games for the day, for social cohesion.
“It is an event where families can come together, socialise and relax in an environment free of violence, crime and drugs.”
Around 1 000 residents attended the event that was held at the Solo Park Sports facility in Steenberg.
“Our programme consisted of traditional games, and an inter-school soccer tournament in which five primary schools participated.”
Learners from Steenberg Primary, Delta Primary, Sullivan Primary, Floreat Primary and Square Hill Primary participated in the under 14’s, seven-a-side soccer tournament.
“It was a very festive Freedom Day, while the soccer tournament occurred on the one field, the second field showcased local talent from the community. Artists, rappers and dancers performed. Vocalists and dancers from Lavender Hill participated.”
Martin added that the main focus of the event was to keep young people off the street.
“Learners from Steenberg High performed musical items and we had a gymnastics group from Mitchell’s Plain who joined the event for the day.
“We want to change and address the issues of crime and violence in the area. The family day was to bring families and the community together.”
While local artists performed, there were food and craft stalls to browse.
Keanan Oktober, a vocalist from Lavender Hill, performed ballads at the event.
“I brought children from Lavender Hill with me to the family day. We could just be ourselves. I think children from the community need role-models and to get away from the gang violence in the area. The children were excited to just dance and showcase their talent and to just forget about the crime and violence in the community.”
Rushdi Giddion, coach of the under-14s soccer team from Square Hill Primary, said the teenagers enjoyed themselves and were happy to walk away as winners of the soccer tournament.
“We won the tournament. The atmosphere was just fantastic and there were so many activities and stalls at the event. The children really enjoyed themselves.”
