The DA in Thembisile Local Municipality will start a petition calling for the completion of Solomon Mahlangu stadium.
Despite R30 million being poured into the stadium, the pitch is not properly maintained, public toilets are not functional, and the fencing is not up to standard.
The municipality’s failure to do due diligence has also led to the cancellation of a DSTV Diski Challenge that was scheduled to take place at the stadium between TS Galaxy and Maritzburg United on 11 September.
The relevant individuals within the municipality failed to carry out the necessary pre-inspection prior to kick-off, as a result the match was cancelled.
The DA finds this unacceptable, such events are of importance for sports development and for the township economy.
It is of great concern that the municipality is yet to put measures in place to address the water crisis within the stadium. Judging by the condition of the pitch, it is blatantly clear that there is not enough water.
The municipality and provincial government have been circulating landscape pictures of the soccer field across different social media platforms.
However, these images are misleading because upon oversight the DA discovered that there are various shortcomings at the stadium.
Elite football matches at the stadium are likely to attract over 15 000 spectators who will not have access to toilet facilities. Some matches will see an influx of spectators from different provinces, this could cause serious security concerns for the municipality as some parts of the fence are already cut open.
It was also disappointing to note that some of the spectator entrances are not fully fenced. The DA urges the municipality to urgently find an alternative solid fence for the stadium and prioritize the security of spectators.
The incompetence of the ANC led Thembisile Local Municipality continues to fail residents. The DA will ensure that the budget allocated for this iconic stadium is used adequately to benefit the people of Mpumalanga.