City completes R20m upgrades to Manenberg’s ‘The Greens’ Sports Ground
20 September 2025
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis officially handed over the newly-upgraded Manenberg Sports Ground to the community on 20 September, together with Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health; and Ward Councillor Deidree de Vos.
Manenberg’s ‘The Greens’ Sports Ground underwent a major facelift, replacing the facility’s ageing astro turf. The new surface includes a full-size astro turf field plus two five-a-side pitches, expanding options for the many teams and players using the facility. All fields are equipped with floodlights for evening matches.
Further upgrades include the construction of two Weather-Flex multi-purpose courts and a Weather-Flex warm-up running track, upgrades to internal roads and hard surfaces, the installation of outdoor gym equipment, timber and steel play equipment, new signage, fencing upgrades, and lighting upgrades.
Construction took place over an 18-month period for a total project cost of around R20m.
‘It was a joy to check out these newly-upgraded sports facilities which are set to help young people in Manenberg develop their talents and reach their full sporting potential. Top-class sports facilities like these hold priceless value for communities, showing the impact of Cape Town’s SA-record infrastructure investments, 75% of which directly benefit lower-income households,’ said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
‘The Greens Sports Ground is a place of belonging, safety and pride for Manenberg. With nearly R20 million invested here as part of the larger Manenberg Integrated Recreational Facility project, we’re delivering on our promise to create accessible, dignified spaces for residents of all ages. This project reflects the City’s commitment to community wellbeing and to working hand-in-hand with local leaders and organisations to build a safer, healthier, and more connected Cape Town.
‘We are encouraged that there were no reported incidents of vandalism in the past year at this sports ground, highlighting community pride in the facility. The upgrade also included fencing, lighting, and landscaping improvements, making the area safer, more accessible and welcoming for all. Let’s keep working together to ensure the community enjoys the advantage of these amazing facilities now and into the future,’ said Councillor Higham.
The upgrades have also been welcomed by the Manenberg Local Football Association (LFA), with the new turf and additional pitches set to help preserve the LFA’s grass fields. This will ensure year-round play, as waterlogged pitches in winter previously hampered matches.
Over the next three years, communities will benefit from various sports and recreation facility upgrades, including:
- R123 million for sports facilities capital upgrades;
- R66 million for recreation hubs and community hall capital upgrades;
- R171 million for parks and public space capital upgrades;
- Over R191 million in library upgrades, equipment, books and subscriptions; and
- Over R95 million for community swimming pool operations and upgrades
Caption 1: Councillor Francine Higham, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Ward Councillor Deidree de Vos and facility officer Sean Gordon.
Caption 2: A section of the newly upgraded sports ground.
Caption 3: Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis tests out the new sports ground.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
