FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AL JAMA-AH BRINGS SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRST RURAL VILLAGE PADEL TENNIS COURT TO MASHINGENI VILLAGE
Howick, KwaZulu-Natal – June 2026
AL JAMA-AH President and Deputy Minister of Social Development, Hon. Ganief Hendricks, has announced that his charitable foundation is completing the construction of a distinctive blue padel tennis court in the deep rural community of Mashingeni Village, near Howick in Pietermaritzburg, overlooking the world-famous Midmar Dam.
The project follows engagements between President Hendricks, Chief Zuma, and Chief Nkomo, whose communities are spread across Pietermaritzburg and the surrounding rural villages. The land for the development was generously granted by the Nxamahala Traditional Council, reflecting a growing partnership between traditional leadership and community development initiatives.
The Mashingeni project forms part of AL JAMA-AH’s national programme to reach 100 villages across South Africa, delivering services, creating opportunities, and strengthening relationships with traditional leaders, kings, chiefs, and indunas.
Padel tennis has become one of the fastest-growing sports in South Africa and internationally. With the completion of this facility, Mashingeni Village is set to become the first rural village in South Africa, and potentially the first on the African continent, to provide local African youth with direct access to this exciting new global sport right on their doorstep.
Situated on the slopes of a mountain with breathtaking views of Midmar Dam, the court will be available to the village’s youth, more than 200 Muslim families in the area, and visitors from around the world. Every day, hundreds of learners pass the site while travelling between their schools and their homes, many of which are traditional rural dwellings scattered across the mountain landscape.
The project goes beyond sport. Alongside the padel tennis facility, AL JAMA-AH is introducing a chicken-and-egg enterprise programme aimed at creating sustainable income opportunities for young people. The initiative seeks to combine recreation, entrepreneurship, and community development.
President Hendricks said the project is dedicated to commemorating Youth Day on 16 June, honouring the sacrifices of the young people of Soweto, Bonteheuwel, and the Cape Flats who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom and equality.
“As we commemorate June 16, we remember the courage and sacrifice of our youth who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. Our responsibility is to create opportunities for the next generation. Through this project, young people can participate in a world-class sport while also benefiting from economic opportunities that can generate dividends and sustainable livelihoods,” said Hendricks.
The Mashingeni development represents a unique fusion of rural development, youth empowerment, sport, and economic participation. It demonstrates AL JAMA-AH’s commitment to ensuring that even the most remote communities are not left behind in accessing modern opportunities and global trends.
As the popularity of padel tennis continues to sweep across South Africa and the world, Mashingeni Village stands ready to become a symbol of how innovation and opportunity can reach every corner of the country.
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Office of the President – AL JAMA-AH
Hon. Ganief Hendricks Foundation