Tennis stalwart hopes to revive game across the city

MARK WARD

Reviving defunct clubs and popularising tennis among Cape Town communities are some of the priorities for Zaida Beukes, president of Cape Town Tennis.

The Lotus River resident was speaking after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cape Town Sports Council at a breakfast function held at the Newlands Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

She was among 27 individuals from several sports codes who were honoured for their contributions.

She also revealed her nomination to the Confederation of African Tennis where she will serve on the women’s gender and equity portfolio. The position is in alignment with the International Tennis Federations gender equality strategy.

“This is exciting times, especially for the advancement of women's sports. I firmly believe that women are still being marginalised in sport and we need to start addressing this in a much more vigorous manner. Getting more women involved in the sport is high on my priority and I will use my position on the African stage to do just that. I’m very set on equity in sport going forward and to continue giving opportunities for young and talented players,” said Beukes.

While she is still committed to administering the sport to new heights, she has no intentions to hang up her racket or give up her number six ranking in the 55 to 59 age group yet. “Now you know my age,” she quipped.

“Yes, the sport has suffered a major set-back over the years and it’s mainly due to the high cost of participation. But we are working on several initiatives to streamline this. Initiatives such as the recent street tennis event in Mitchell’s Plain is one of such projects. We are also going to stage more tournaments where participants do not have to pay such a high entry fee.

“Then there’s the initiative to start reviving clubs such as the Lansdowne and Wheatfield clubs in areas such as Belthorne Estate, and the greater Athlone areas. These are some of our plans.”

Junaid Begg, chairperson of the Cape Town Sports Council, in delivering his keynote address at the event, congratulated the recipients and encouraged the sports community to continue to use the power of sport to foster a more just and compassionate world.

“It is both an honour and a privilege to celebrate the incredible contributions of some of the most remarkable individuals in the history of sport. We pay tribute to those who have left an indelible mark on our hearts and our fields, courts, and arenas. We recognise the legends whose spirits still inspire us and induct the lifetime achievers who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of excellence in sport.

“Sport has always been more than just competition. It is a universal language that transcends borders, unites communities, instils values that shape the very fabric of our society.

“The world is currently witnessing profound challenges. In these times, the spirit of sport becomes even more vital as a force for unity, peace, and hope,” Begg said.