WPCA and Paintsmiths bring Mandela Day spirit to Khayelitsha Cricket Club

July 2026

NEWLANDS – The Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA), in partnership with Paintsmiths Franchise, proudly celebrated Mandela Day by transforming lives and facilities through a community outreach initiative at Khayelitsha Cricket Club on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

The initiative brought together WPCA staff, the Western Province Men’s and Women’s teams, Paintsmiths representatives, the City of Cape Town, valued partners, community volunteers, and members of the Khayelitsha Cricket Club in a united effort to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service, compassion and community upliftment.

As part of the day’s activities, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to repaint the Khayelitsha Cricket Club clubhouse, giving the facility a fresh new look while creating an environment that the local cricket community can continue to enjoy with pride. The refurbishment forms part of WPCA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening grassroots cricket and investing in facilities that support the development of future generations.

The day also featured an exciting cricket coaching clinic, where Western Province Men’s and Women’s players and coaches spent time mentoring young cricketers from the Khayelitsha Cricket Hub. Through skills sessions, fun activities and personal interaction, the children were inspired by some of the province’s top cricketers while learning valuable lessons both on and off the field.

WPCA Chief Executive Officer Corrie van Zyl praised the collective effort: “Mandela Day is about looking after one another in the spirit of Ubuntu. This initiative was a truly memorable occasion, showing how communities and partners can unite for the greater good. To give of yourself in order to improve the lives of others is the highest calling. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the partners who made this day possible. Western Province Cricket Association would especially like to acknowledge The City of Cape Town, Paintsmiths, Fibre Tech, Sedgars, CTC Sports our WP men’s and women’s cricket players, WPCA staff, Food In, and the Khayelitsha Cricket Club community and players.”

City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham said: “Mandela Day reminds us that meaningful change often begins with people coming together and contributing what they can. This initiative has given the Khayelitsha Cricket Club clubhouse a fresh start, while also giving young cricketers the opportunity to learn directly from some of the province’s leading players and coaches. The City is proud to support partnerships that strengthen our community sporting facilities and create opportunities for young people. My thanks go to WPCA, Paintsmiths, the players, coaches and volunteers who gave their time and resources to make a practical difference in Khayelitsha.”

Paintsmiths Director Kevin French said: “For Paintsmiths it’s really just about finding ways where we can make an impact with what we have. We’re fond supporters of cricket and having had that in my personal family and just realising that there’s a way that it can actually make an impact in young people’s lives but also just taking care of what we’ve got. We’ve got these facilities and they need to be looked after as well as they can and if we can get behind the clubs and provide some paint and equipment then that’s great and hopefully it goes to making it into a much better place where many more children and many more adults just enjoy things.”

The Mandela Day initiative reflects WPCA’s unwavering commitment to community development, youth empowerment and the growth of grassroots cricket. By investing in both people and facilities, the association continues to create opportunities that extend far beyond the boundary rope.

WPCA also extends its heartfelt appreciation to all its partners whose generous support made the initiative possible. Special thanks go to Paintsmiths, Sedgars, Miller’s, Fibertek, Food Inn, Hamiltons, Fayzar Catering, CTC Sports, the City of Cape Town and the City’s Recreation and Parks Department for their invaluable contributions. Their generosity, commitment and spirit of Ubuntu played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the day and leaving a lasting impact on the Khayelitsha community.

Khayelitsha Cricket Club Chairperson Thulani Zideba also expressed his gratitude for the initiative: “On behalf of the Khayelitsha Cricket Club, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to WPCA, Paintsmiths and all valuable partners for their incredible contribution in repainting our club as part of Nelson Mandela Day. Your generosity, time, and commitment have not only revitalised our facilities but have also demonstrated the true spirit of Madiba’s legacy – service, community upliftment, and making a meaningful difference. This initiative will have a lasting impact on our players, members, and the wider community, creating a space we can all be proud of. Thank you for your partnership, your kindness, and for investing in the future of cricket and our community.”

ABOUT WESTERN PROVINCE CRICKET ASSOCIATION (WPCA)

The WPCA is the custodian of cricket in the Cape Metropole and oversees the development and promotion of the game across all levels, from grassroots participation to professional cricket. As one of South Africa’s most historic and successful cricket regions, WPCA plays a key role in hosting international matches at the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground and growing the sport in the province.