The City of Cape Town hosted fun-filled day of recreation for Langa ECDs. The event at the Langa Sports Field, brought together approx. 700 young children from 22 local Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres on Friday, March 14, 2025. It was arranged for a morning of recreational activities designed to promote active play and movement literacy.
Reportedly, the event formed a part of the Active Kiddies Programme, as an initiative that focuses on developing physical activity and movement for young children.
Furthermore, through the structured recreational activities, the programme enhances locomotor skills, such as jumping, hopping, skipping; ball skills like throwing, catching, kicking; also, with additional skills such as stability, coordination and spatial awareness, all of which are essential for a cognitive and physical growth of a child.
Children who participated in a range of engaging activities, included inflatable play areas, obstacle courses, sack races, swing ball and structured movement-based games. These activities align with the developmental outcomes of the Active Kiddies Programme, ensuring that play is not only fun, but also contributes to motor skills development, balance, agility and muscle strength.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that playing is an essential part of early childhood learning. It enhances physical coordination, social skills and cognitive development.
As per Higham, by providing these opportunities, they are investing in the future of the young residents and are ensuring that they grow up in an environment that encourages active and healthy lifestyles.
The event was made possible through a collaborative effort involving SAPS, the Langa Safety Forum, Fire and Rescue, the Langs ECD Forum, corporate sponsors, LoveLife and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS).
These stakeholders volunteered their time to coordinate activity stations and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both children and teachers.
Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town played a key role in planning and coordinating the event. Via this event they will reinforce its commitment to early childhood recreation. Through programmes like Active Kiddies, the Department ensures that young children have access to age-appropriate play and movement activities that support their overall growth.
Notably, the initiative is a part of an annual programme that aims at creating positive recreational experiences for young children in Langa. The City of Cape Town is looking forward to expand its reach in the future to benefit more children through structured play and movement-based learning.