Kimberley Diamond Cup shaping the future of skateboarding in South Africa
The Kimberley Diamond Cup (KDC), South Africa’s premier skateboarding championship, is set to redefine excellence and opportunity in the world of extreme sports.
This year’s media launch at the Kumba Skate Plaza in Kimberley on Friday, December 6, marked a bold new chapter for the event, with organisers unveiling exciting developments, including a robust grassroots initiative and an expanded Grand Slam schedule for 2024/25.
Speaking at the launch, Venus Blennies, MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, highlighted the transformative power of the KDC.
"The Kimberley Diamond Cup represents more than skateboarding; it symbolises the resilience, creativity, and potential of our province. It provides opportunities for small businesses, inspires our youth, and showcases the Northern Cape to the world."
Since its inception, the Kimberley Diamond Cup has left an indelible mark on the region. It has welcomed over 106,000 attendees, created nearly 1,900 jobs, and supported more than 240 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
Its global reach is equally remarkable, generating publicity valued at over R500 million and engaging a worldwide audience of 3.5 billion people.
The MEC emphasised that these accomplishments are a testament to the event’s power to drive economic growth and community upliftment, making it a cornerstone of the Northern Cape’s sporting and development calendar.
Following a rigorous tender process, Exilite Holdings has been appointed as the preferred service provider for the 2024/25 season. This move underscores the commitment to maintaining the event’s world-class standards while expanding its reach and impact.
At the heart of the Kimberley Diamond Cup is its commitment to grassroots development.
The Skateboarding for Hope initiative has been instrumental in introducing the sport to underserved communities across the Northern Cape.
Recently, the programme reached over 280 young people in towns like De Aar, Kuruman, Springbok, and Upington, distributing more than 60 skateboards and appointing local coaches to sustain weekly clinics at newly constructed skate parks.
KDC Project Manager Andile Mlawa elaborated on the programme’s vision:
"The Skateboarding for Hope clinics are no longer one-off events. We’ve appointed local coaches who are now on our payroll. They’ve been equipped to run weekly sessions and report on talent development and community impact.
“These efforts will not only sustain the KDC but also nurture the next generation of Olympic athletes from the Northern Cape.”
The initiative also focuses on addressing gender disparities in the sport by actively seeking out and supporting girl skaters.
Local Olympic skater Boipelo Awuah has played a pivotal role in inspiring young girls during these clinics, becoming a beacon of hope and possibility in the regions.
The KDC has proudly supported Northern Cape athletes in their journey to the global stage. Among these trailblazers are Awuah, Natalie Bramley, and the late Damian Bramley, whose legacy continues to inspire skaters across the province.
"We celebrate the achievements of our athletes who have carried the Northern Cape flag on the world stage. Their journeys underscore the immense talent in our province and the potential to create a global impact," said MEC Blennies.
The Kimberley Diamond Cup is raising the stakes for the season ahead with an expanded Grand Slam schedule featuring six preliminary events leading up to the grand finale in Kimberley.
January 18 2025: Gqeberha
January 25: Johannesburg
February 1: Kimberley
February 8: Bloemfontein
February 15: Durban
March 1: Johannesburg
March 15: Apex Event in Kimberley
With a prize pool exceeding R500,000, these competitions are set to attract elite athletes while inspiring new talent across South Africa. Each event promises to showcase the artistry and athleticism of skateboarding, bringing tourism and economic opportunities to host cities.
To kick off the season’s excitement, the Friday Night Lights event will be held on Friday night at the Skate Plaza in Kimberley. Running from 6pm to 9pm, the event offers children and families a chance to experience the thrill of skateboarding first hand.
Participants can enjoy skating lessons, movie screenings, snacks sponsored by Pick n Pay, and giveaways, including the chance to win a skateboard.
"Tomorrow morning (Saturday), we’ll be hosting the Skateboarding for Hope finals here at the Skate Plaza in Kimberley," Mlawa told the DFA. "We’ve identified top performers from across the province through the Skateboarding for Hope program, and they’ll be arriving in Kimberley tonight to compete for the title."
The competition kicks off at 9am to beat the heat and is expected to conclude by 12 noon. Mlawa revealed that prizes worth R15,000 will be awarded, split equally between the boys' and girls' categories.
"This event celebrates the incredible talent unearthed during our clinics, and we’re thrilled to see how these young skaters shine on the big stage," Mlawa concluded.
MEC Blennies encouraged the community to participate, saying:
“Events like Friday Night Lights are where the seeds of greatness are planted. Who knows, the next Olympic skateboarder may emerge from Kimberley tonight.”
As preparations for the KDC intensified, MEC Blennies urged all stakeholders to support the event:
"Together, we can elevate this platform to new heights, unlocking even greater benefits for the people of the Northern Cape. The Kimberley Diamond Cup is not just a sporting event — it’s a movement that champions growth, opportunity, and excellence,” she concluded.