The Thokoza Youth Centre, a hub for youth training, skills development, and community programmes, has fallen into serious disrepair over the past year, leaving local children and young adults without a safe and functional space to learn, train and grow.

Once a thriving facility, the centre has been largely unused for the past year due to poor maintenance and structural damage.

Inside the yard, the tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, previously used for recreational and training purposes, are now damaged and no longer in use, limiting young people’s opportunities to engage in sports and physical activity.

The grounds are overgrown with long grass, and water is reportedly leaking inside the building, believed to be from a geyser, creating further hazards.

“We used to play here as kids. It’s so sad to see these courts like this. There are a lot of children around who would love to play here,” said Siphiwe Masango, a local resident.

Residents say the centre’s deteriorating state is affecting not only recreational activities but also programs that train and empower youth.

Residents are urging the city to intervene.

City manager Kagiso Lerutla and HoD Lesego Sentso recently visited Thokoza Fire Station, which residents welcomed as part of the “Fixing the Frontline” programme.

However, they stress that urgent attention is needed for the Thokoza Youth Centre and Auditorium, which remain in poor condition.

@albertonrecordFor over a year, the youth centre has been plagued by a leaking geyser, overgrown grass and damaged infrastructure, preventing youth from accessing vital recreational and skills-development programmes. “We used to play here as kids. It’s so sad to see these courts like this. There are a lot of children around who would love to play here,” said Siphiwe Masango, a local resident. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za

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“As you continue rolling out the programme, I kindly request that urgent attention be given to Thokoza Auditorium and the Youth Centre.

“Both facilities are currently in a very poor condition and have been unusable for the past year. These are important community assets that should be serving young people and residents while also generating much-needed revenue for the city,” Masango added.

“As long as the community does not stand up, infrastructure will be gone,” said Capstone Mphuti, another resident.

“There’s a lot that needs attention from our leaders in Thokoza; they don’t see the value of these structures,” added Thapelo Malakoane.

Community members emphasise that these facilities are essential for youth development, skills training, and community engagement, and are frustrated by the lack of progress since raising the issue in May 2025.

Residents hope the city will act fast to restore the Thokoza Youth Centre, allowing it to once again provide a safe, educational, and developmental environment for the community’s youth while also supporting sports and recreational activities on the courts.

Alberton Record has contacted the City of Ekurhuleni for a comment and is still waiting for a response.