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Sport Against Crime Initiative transforms vacant land into a community sports facility and 1,000 m² garden focused on youth development, practical skills and long-term local opportunity.
The Sport Against Crime Initiative officially opened a new community sports facility in Denver, Johannesburg on 24 October 2026, bringing businesses, public services and community organisations together around a shared commitment to creating safer spaces and stronger opportunities for young people.
Located on Chilvers Street, approximately six kilometers east of central Johannesburg on the industrial corridor towards Germiston, the development combines a structured sports facility with a 1,000 m² community garden.
The project was funded and spearheaded by multinational measurement technology manufacturer and longstanding Denver resident WIKA Instruments, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), community representatives and 20 corporate partners.
Acquired two years ago, the previously vacant and dilapidated land has since been transformed into a dedicated community space where children and young people can participate in organised sport, receive mentorship, develop practical skills and build positive relationships away from crime, substance abuse and social isolation.
The community garden extends the project’s impact beyond the sports field, providing agricultural training and work experience for 15 participants, including six Youth Employment Service temporary employees who will continue to maintain the premises.
Partnership Turned Commitment into Action
Michael Weidenmann, founder of the Sport Against Crime Initiative and Managing Director of WIKA Instruments South Africa, believes that the project shows what can be achieved when businesses and public institutions accept shared responsibility for the communities in which they operate.
“Crime and social challenges cannot be addressed by one company or organisation acting alone. Bringing this project to life required the commitment of SAPS, PRASA, local businesses, community representatives and every partner that contributed funding, equipment, expertise, services or time,” says Weidenmann.
“Their support helped transform an empty, neglected piece of land into a place where young people can play sport, learn practical skills and build confidence. It demonstrates what is possible when organisations move beyond good intentions and work together to deliver something tangible for the community.”
The official opening brought together community leaders, sponsors, government representatives, SAPS, PRASA, schools, sporting organisations and local residents. The programme included addresses on youth development and community safety, the formal unveiling of the facility, cultural performances and exhibition soccer matches involving WIKA, SAPS, PRASA and community teams.
A Company That Chose to Stay and Invest
WIKA Instruments first established its presence in Denver in 1993. For more than three decades, the company has remained invested in the area despite the persistent effects of crime and lawlessness on its employees, their families and neighbouring businesses.
“We are not removed from the challenges facing Denver. Our employees travel through this community, their families live here and our business has been part of the area for more than three decades,” says Weidenmann. “There may have been moments when leaving appeared to be the easier option, but we chose to stay, invest and work alongside our neighbours. We believe businesses have a responsibility to contribute to the long-term wellbeing of the communities in which they operate.”
In addition to the physical infrastructure, Weidenmann shares that WIKA’s commitment is underpinned by a focus on youth development, practical learning and area upliftment. “We want to help the next generation develop the skills needed to build meaningful futures and at the same time, we want to contribute to the long-term renewal of Denver.”
A Platform for Lasting Change
The Sport Against Crime Initiative was designed as a long-term platform rather than a once-off Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project. The facility will support structured sport and recreation, mentorship, health and wellness activities, leadership development and pathways to practical training and employment. It also provides a base for continued cooperation among businesses, SAPS, PRASA, schools, families, community organisations and public services.
“The opening of the facility was the starting point, not the final achievement,” Weidenmann added. “Its success will be measured by the programmes, the partnerships and the outcomes. Our responsibility now is to ensure that this remains a safe, active and sustainable community space.”
Project Partners and Supporters
Weidemann commends all project partners and sponsors of the event, including Fluidra, Valbruna Stainless Steel, Metallica Africa Trading, SAIMC NPC, Busch Vacuum, LH Marthinusen, Vesconite Bearings, CBB Roedl & Partner Inc., Denver Industrial Zone, Jurgens Bekker, Synergy Commodities, SAPS, the Mangolongolo community and PRASA.
“Their collective support helped transform the Sport Against Crime Initiative from a community vision into permanent infrastructure. We look forward to where this project will take the Denver community” he concludes.
The tournament trophy is presented during the Sport Against Crime awards ceremony at WIKA. Mike Wiedenmann, Alexander Wiegand, Black Stars Captain, Ward Counseller Khanyile:
WIKA team members gather under the event tent in support of the Sport Against Crime initiative:
WIKA staff pose with the MC at the sponsor wall during the Sport Against Crime event. Jacques Botha, Mpho Gumede, Nkamo Rabanye:
Young footballers compete for possession during an action-filled match at WIKA’s Sport Against Crime event:
The winning team celebrates with the trophy and gold medals at the conclusion of WIKA’s Sport Against Crime tournament. Mike Wiedenmann, Alexander Wiegand, Black Stars Team, Ward Counseller Khanyile:
About the Sport Against Crime Initiative
The Sport Against Crime Initiative is a community-focused programme founded to reduce the conditions that allow crime and social harm to take root. It uses sport, mentorship, education, skills development and partnership to give young people safer choices, positive role models and opportunities to participate in community life.
About WIKA Instruments South Africa
WIKA Instruments (Pty) Ltd is the South African subsidiary of the international German-headquartered WIKA Group, a global leader in pressure, temperature and level measurement technology. Established in South Africa in 1979, the company has operated from its Denver, Johannesburg headquarters since 1993 and employs more than 200 people nationwide. Its Denver manufacturing facility produces more than 150,000 instruments annually and is supported by advanced production capabilities, ISO 9001 quality management and SANAS-accredited calibration laboratories. Alongside supplying measurement solutions across African industries, WIKA South Africa is committed to its surrounding community through initiatives that promote youth development, practical skills, safer public spaces and sustainable local opportunity.
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