In the heart of Tembisa, east of Johannesburg, Moabelo Nzimande is turning waste into something children cannot resist, a chance to jump, laugh and play. Through his initiative, Africanmake, old tyres are given a second life as sturdy trampolines for early childhood development (ECD) centres, reported News24.
For Nzimande, the idea began with a simple observation. Children are naturally drawn to movement. Whether it is running, skipping or bouncing, play is how they explore the world around them. He noticed that when children jump, they are not only having fun, they are also building strength, improving balance and developing hand-eye coordination. These small, joyful moments are essential to how young children grow and learn.
Yet for many ECD centres in township communities, creating spaces for this kind of play is not always easy. Limited budgets often mean that outdoor play equipment is either unavailable or worn down from years of use. Caregivers do what they can with what they have, but opportunities for safe, stimulating physical play remain limited.
That is where Nzimande’s innovation is making a difference. By repurposing discarded tyres, Africanmake produces trampolines that are both durable and accessible. Built to handle daily use, they provide children with a safe way to stay active while bringing new energy into early learning environments.
At the same time, the initiative is tackling a visible environmental challenge. Waste tyres are a common sight in many communities, often dumped or burned, contributing to pollution and health risks. By transforming them into functional play equipment, Nzimande is helping shift perceptions of waste, showing that what is thrown away can still hold value.
At ECD centres where the trampolines have been introduced, the impact is immediate. Playtime becomes more vibrant, with children eager to take turns bouncing, laughing and encouraging one another. Teachers and caregivers note increased participation in outdoor activities and more opportunities for children to develop physical and social skills through play.
For Nzimande, the work is about more than building trampolines. It is about creating environments where children can thrive, where learning is active and joyful, and where communities can see practical solutions to everyday challenges.
His work reflects a growing movement of local innovators who are finding creative ways to respond to community needs. In Tembisa, that response is as simple and powerful as a child’s laughter echoing across a playground, rising with every bounce.
Description:
In Tembisa, a local innovator is transforming discarded tyres into trampolines for early childhood centres, creating safe, engaging play spaces for children while reducing environmental waste in the community.
Editor’s Note:
This story highlights how simple, locally driven solutions can address both environmental challenges and gaps in early childhood development. It shows how play, sustainability and innovation can come together to support children’s growth in underserved communities.
