Johannesburg’s inner city has always been a place of stark contrasts, where grit meets glamour, and tragedy often walks hand in hand with triumph. This December, as the city grapples with the heartbreaking loss of a local icon and the ongoing struggle for its architectural soul, a "green beacon" has emerged to remind us why we still fight for the CBD.
A century in the making
History was made recently with the official ribbon-cutting of the Field of Dreams, the first full-size football field to be built in the Johannesburg CBD in over 100 years. Located near the M1 Selby offramp, this world-class sporting precinct, complete with spectator stands, basketball and netball courts, and a clubhouse, reclaims a piece of the city for its most valuable resource: its youth.
Developed by the Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII) and Standard Bank, and championed by South African cricket legend Dr Ali Bacher, the facility is more than just a place to kick a ball. It is the gateway to MII’s "Education Town," a vision where recreation and academic excellence collide.
"For decades, this city was known for its gold," says MII CEO Dr Taddy Blecher. "Today, we are digging deeper for something far more valuable: the genius, creativity, and infinite potential within our young people."
Light in the shadow of tragedy
While the city celebrated the launch of the Field of Dreams last month, that newfound sense of optimism is currently being tested by a sombre wave of grief across the Joburg creative community. Just last week, the city was rocked by the tragic killing of DJ Warras (Warrick Stock), the beloved broadcaster and entrepreneur who was gunned down in the CBD.
The investigation into his death has cast a harsh spotlight on the "war" over hijacked buildings, a crisis that continues to plague the inner city. Reports suggest Warras may have been targeted due to his involvement in property management and his efforts to secure buildings against criminal syndicates. It is a grim reminder of the lawlessness that can fester in the shadows of our skyscrapers.
Yet, it is precisely this darkness that makes the Field of Dreams so significant. While hijacked buildings represent the decay of the past, this new precinct represents the architecture of a future.
Restoring pride to the streets
Supported by the Jozi My Jozi movement, the Field of Dreams aims to provide a "safe haven" in a district where children have long been forced to play in dangerous, makeshift spaces. By offering a secure, world-class environment, the initiative proves that through civic partnership, we can reclaim our streets from crime and neglect.
As Standard Bank’s Nkosinathi Manzana puts it, the field is a "unique investment, not purely in concrete or commerce, but in the spirit of community."
In a month marked by mourning, the “Field of Dreams” is proof that even in a city often defined by headlines of hardship, positivity, purpose, and progress are still possible.
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