The mural was unveiled at the Gustrow Sports Ground in Strand – the third of its kind as Cape Town gears up to host the first Netball World Cup to be held on African soil.

The murals that are being commissioned in the lead up to the 2023 Netball World Cup are meant to create awareness in the city and communities about the event, but also to serve as a legacy after the curtain falls on the tournament.

In a joint undertaking between the City’s Events, Recreation & Parks and Arts & Culture Departments, 12 murals are in the pipeline  – one a month until the event in July next year.

Two murals have already been unveiled – at the Langa Indoor Sports Centre, and at OR Tambo Hall in Khayelitsha.

The locations are based on whether there is sufficient wall space, how visible the mural will be from a major roadway, and whether the facility can be linked to netball programmes or upgrades.

Where possible, artists from the local community are commissioned to complete the mural in their area – if not, a supporting artist must be from the local community to ensure the transfer of skills.

The 6m x 7,5m mural at Gustrow Sports Ground was completed by Sydney-Shem Lewis from Strand, supported by Lee Anco, also from the area.

‘Each mural unveiling signals us being one step closer to the World Cup. It’s an incredibly exciting time for Cape Town, but also for the country and the continent. We want to ensure that we put on a showpiece to be remembered for many years to come, but we also have a duty to help the sport dig in its roots in as many of our communities as possible. Netball is a big code in South Africa, but if we want it to grow even more, and give more young people a shot at playing at the highest level, we have to invest in more facilities, resources and programmes centred around development – something that is high on the City’s agenda,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

The Gustrow Sports Ground has been earmarked for upgrades totaling just over R800 000 in the 2022/23 financial year.

‘The murals are part of building momentum as the Netball World Cup nears, but also aim to inspire young ladies across all four areas of the metropole to aspire to bigger and better sporting goals. As the City, we welcome and support mass participation and want to enable the youth through our offerings at our sporting facilities. Through sport, we are able to unite, build connections and enhance our well-being,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.

Source: City Of Cape Town