The DA in Thaba Chweu calls on the Public Protector to investigate the alleged mismanagement of funds that were meant to upgrade Mashakeng Stadium in Mashishing.
R9 million in Municipal Infrastructure Grants (MIG) and R12.5 million from mining company Glencore was donated for refurbishments of this facility. However, the sports facility is still in a dire state with the change rooms vandalized and some equipment stolen.
What was supposed to be a sport and recreation facility has turned into a refuge for drug addicts. With no security on site, this facility also doubles as a hub for criminals. Despite all this, the municipality has turned a blind eye.
It is quite ironic that while the stadium is falling apart, the ANC is engaged in their Taking Legislature to the People (TLP) programme in Thaba Chweu. A programme aimed at assessing infrastructure and engaging with residents.
The ANC administration is not in office to serve the people of this town. This is abuse of state resources and public funds that are meant to better the livelihood of residents cannot go unaccounted for.
The municipality’s alleged mismanagement of funds in this regard goes against the vision of the (MIG) programme which is to provide South Africans with at least a basic level of service through the provision of grant finance aimed at covering the capital cost of basic infrastructure for the poor.
The DA will not sit back and watch the ANC administration run our facilities to the ground. Such facilities are meant to uplift poor communities. The municipality should be held accountable for failing to realize and carry out the objectives of the MIG.
Illogical governance practices of the ANC have brought nothing but agony to the residents of Thaba Chweu. The DA is the only party capable of restoring the dignity of residents and taking the municipality back to its glory days.