Community mapping and creating safe spaces for physical activity in a South African context of relative poverty

This research emanates recreational physical activity, within a South African context of poverty, where safety is a key consideration. The study drew upon established socio-ecological models to assess critically available spaces that are currently being used for physical activity within the impoverished community of Mamelodi East, Ekurhuleni municipal district. The utilisation of such spaces was both asset-based and solution driven. A multi-method research design was used for a larger study. This article draws on the qualitative data collected through 16 interviews from school, stakeholder and community representatives related to four primary schools in close proximity of a community sport facility. In the first phase of data collection, 80 grade six boys and girls (participants and non-participants in sport) and nine sport coaches participated in group discussions. In the second phase, six community maps were drawn profiling four schools, a faith-based organisation and community facility for reflective discussions with focus group participants and interviewees. The third phase included an overlaying of 60 maps associated with the research cohort, age and gender, including the verification of ‘hot spots’. The analysis revealed that spaces simultaneously exist on a continuum of safe and unsafe in articulation with supportive and unsupportive environments. This culminated in an explanatory framework of physical activity, school sport and informal play activities.