Businesses and volunteers urged to support Germiston City Sports Grounds clean-up
As part of the initiative, ERSF and its partners will host a clean-up campaign at the grounds from November 3 to 5, between 08:00 and 16:00 each day.
East Rand Summer Festivals (ERSF) and the Ekurhuleni Sports Confederation (ESC) are calling on local businesses and volunteers to join a clean-up campaign from November 3 to 5, to help restore the Germiston City Sports Grounds.
Spearheaded by ERSF director Sipho Vilakazi, the initiative aims to improve the grounds through cleaning, maintenance and infrastructure improvements, while exploring opportunities to accommodate both sporting and non-sporting activities.
The proposed approach would allow the facility to continue hosting sporting activities while potentially accommodating suitable community, cultural and entertainment events, subject to the necessary approvals and safety requirements.
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ERSF, an events organisation focused on music, culture, entertainment and community activities, is working with the ESC to mobilise local businesses and volunteers to support the project.
Among the first businesses to contribute was Lasher Tools, which donated gardening and maintenance equipment to assist with work at the grounds. The organisers expressed their appreciation to the company and Sinead Flynn for facilitating the contribution.
“The grounds are still a work in progress, but we believe meaningful change starts with people being willing to get involved,” said Vilakazi.
One of the initiative’s immediate priorities is the installation of four gates to help prevent unauthorised access and ensure controlled entry and exit during events. The organisers said the improvements would align with applicable safety requirements, including those in the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (SASREA).
ERSF is appealing to local businesses, contractors and organisations to assist with the installation of the gates and other improvements through donations of materials, equipment, services, labour or financial sponsorship.
As part of the initiative, ERSF and its partners will host the clean-up campaign at the grounds from 08:00 to 16:00 each day.
Businesses interested in contributing and community members willing to volunteer are encouraged to participate.
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According to the organisers, the proposed dual-use model is intended to complement rather than replace the facility’s sporting purpose. They believe that accommodating suitable non-sporting events could increase the use of the grounds while creating opportunities for local businesses and community organisations.
“We are not presenting the facility as a finished product. There is still considerable work ahead,” said Vilakazi. “What matters is that the process has started, and we are inviting businesses and the community to become part of it.”
Businesses and volunteers interested in supporting the initiative can contact Vilakazi on 064 831 3108 or email ops@ersf.co.za.
The Germiston City Sports Grounds are located at 18 Vimy Ridge, Delville, Germiston.
