AfriSam recently completed the upgrade of multi-purpose sports courts at the Diazville Primary School in Saldanha, delivering a modern inclusive facility designed to expand sporting opportunities for learners. The project formed part of AfriSam’s Social and Labour Plan (SLP) for local economic development commitments.
The project entailed replacing the school’s dilapidated courts with approximately 1,600 m² of artificial turf and included coloured line markings for three sporting disciplines, upgrading the fencing, installing floodlights and a new spectator stand.
The initial construction began in 2022 and reached final completion in September 2022. After sections of the surface lifted due to identified harvester-ant activity beneath the turf, AfriSam subsequently initiated a comprehensive repair programme to provide a durable long-term solution.
The supplementary works commenced in January 2024 and included removing and storing the lifted turf for other uses, inspecting and preparing the surface, treating the soil for insects, applying a new prime and premixed asphalt layer, reinstating the fencing, and installing a new replacement turf system. The completed work was assessed as satisfactory despite delays caused by inclement weather. The total project expenditure upon completion was over R2 million, more than double the original budget which indicates AfriSam’s commitment to the successful completion of this project. AfriSam has, in addition, agreed to maintain the facility for three years.
“At AfriSam, our commitment to People, Planet and Performance comes to life through projects that create shared, lasting value. By investing in an inclusive space where young people can learn, play and thrive, we are not only upgrading infrastructure; we are creating concrete possibilities for the Diazville community and future generations,” Sibongile Miya, the AfriSam Executive overseeing Community Relations, said.
Various regional contractors and suppliers supported the delivery of the project. Nadeson managed the project works with construction and preparation undertaken by Westlake Construction and Amandla Construction, while specialist suppliers Synsport supported the replacement turf installation and repair programme. Schmidthauser Electrical and Genwest generously donated the floodlights and spectator stand respectively.
The handover event took place on 13 October 2026 at Diazville Primary School where the sporting facility was officially opened by key stakeholders closely involved in the project.
“We have been eagerly awaiting the completion of these sporting facilities, and finally, the day has come. We are thankful to the AfriSam team, who did not give up on the hopes and dreams of the youth of Diazville,” Marius Cleophas, Deputy Principal of Diazville Primary School, said.
“This project reflects AfriSam’s commitment to creating lasting value in the communities around our operations. When challenges emerged, we remained focused on delivering a safe, reliable and inclusive facility that learners can use with confidence,” Gavin Venter, AfriSam’s Strategic Project Manager, said.
The completed courts provide Diazville Primary School with a versatile space for sport, physical development and school activities. AfriSam thanks the school, the community, the project team, local contractors and suppliers for their cooperation and contribution.
