Former Proteas cricket star JP Duminy returned to his roots on Thursday when he gifted a new cricket pitch to a Mitchells Plain school.
Over 20 members of Hyacinth Primary School’s cricket team were on hand to witness Duminy, through his JP21 Foundation, unveil the new pitch and nets.
The project was months in the making, as eyewear brand Oakley and the JP21 Foundation partnered to make a positive impact in historically disadvantaged communities on the Cape Flats.
Principal Cedric Anyster says the school is grateful to be a beneficiary of the project.
“The irrigation (for the greens) started in July last year and the process has been a long journey to this amazing result,” the palie says.
“I also want to thank the community for keeping the school safe during this process.”
THANKFUL: Palie Cedric Anyster. Picture: Jack Lestrade.
The JP21 Foundation previously established a cricket clinic at the school for players at Hyacinth and surrounding schools.
Following the unveiling, Duminy, joined by Proteas batsman David Miller and president of Western Province Cricket Association, Nicolas Kock, held an impromptu cricket clinic with the kids.
Duminy, 35, also signed the T-shirts.
Duminy, who was sponsored by Oakley during his cricket-playing days, says he chose Hyacinth Primary as the beneficiary of the new pitch as the school shares his vision and values.
The all-rounder spent his childhood in Strandfontein and the family later moved to Portlands.
BIG HIT: Proteas’ David Miller with kids. Picture: Jack Lestrade.
“I love investing in my community and I believe success comes from ploughing back into your hometown first before anything else,” Duminy tells the Daily Voice.
In addition, the mandate of the JP21 Foundation is to revitalise the game of cricket in underdeveloped communities and schools affected by gang violence and substance abuse.
MENTOR: Bradley Alberts of JP21 Foundation. Picture: Jack Lestrade.
“Infrastructure is a major challenge and concern in the Mitchells Plain community,” says Duminy.
“Five years ago, JP21 set itself a goal to change lives and set a certain standard in the community for others to follow.
“We believe the revamp of Hyacinth Primary’s sports field is a big accomplishment as we have always wanted to create better opportunities for kids through improved facilities.
“This is a step in the right direction and the hope is for the Foundation to continue to grow, and to be in a position to do the same for other schools within these communities.”