Residents of Greenspark in Fochville are raising their voices in frustration over the poor maintenance of the local stadium, which they say has been left to deteriorate due to ongoing neglect by the Merafong City Local Municipality.

Stadium left to decay after contractor’s work completed

According to concerned resident Mervin Majaffe, the issues began shortly after the stadium was refurbished in 2021 by a contractor employed by the Department of Public Works—the same contractor responsible for building the Greenspark Clinic.

“The municipality never officially received the stadium from the contractor. Since then, it has not been properly maintained,” said Majaffe.

Community took initiative, then lost access

Initially, local residents tried to care for the facility themselves. However, things changed when the municipality took possession of the keys to host their own event at the stadium.

“After that, vandalism started. Thieves stripped the ablution blocks of all metal fixtures and other valuable fittings,” explained community leader Glen Fourie. “They even tried to loot the guard house, but the community intervened just in time.”

Despite multiple complaints, residents say Merafong Municipality has failed to repair or secure the facility.

Dangerous ditch near stadium raises safety concerns

To make matters worse, a large open trench—believed to have been dug during sewerage installations—poses a serious risk.

“This ditch fills with rainwater during summer, and children swim in it despite our warnings. It’s a death trap,” warned Pastor Elvis Groenewald.

Groenewald has taken the matter further by writing to Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, hoping the national department can step in.

Municipality promises future action

When contacted by The Herald, a Merafong spokesperson acknowledged the complaints and confirmed that the Greenspark stadium is listed as a maintenance priority for the upcoming financial year.