From pride to ruin: No maintenance, no action at Bob van Reenen Stadium

Tania Kempenaars Kelfkens, a Hoërskool Monument High teacher and former athlete who competed at many competitions at Bob, said the fire that broke out near Jan Lotz Stadium, the lower part of Bob, could have been avoided, pointing to years of uncut grass and zero maintenance.

“We have seen the grass not being cut for years now. There is no maintenance at the stadium. A couple of years ago, a handful of people went there to cut and clean it, and it looked perfect. It is sad to see the place overgrown,” she said.

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She added that nothing can be done to prevent future fires because nobody seems to care about the stadium anymore.

“Security has been appointed to protect the premises, but it is only a shell. The saddest part of all of this is that the track and stadium will have to be completely rebuilt. A couple of years ago, it could have just been repaired and cleaned, but now it is completely dilapidated.”

Down by Jan Lotz Stadium, where most of the fire occurred, there was a wrestling club, and many cricket matches were played. On the Paardekraal Drive side were some of the best squash courts.

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“The entire area provided opportunities for many people [young and old] to be more active and healthy. There is truly very little for our youth to do, especially if their schools don’t offer activities.”

Tania also mentioned how the old gymnastics club trained top athletes and questioned the ripple effect the neglect had on local businesses.

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“The stadium generated incomes and job opportunities. If you look closely, how many businesses closed down in the surrounding area?”

In June, the Krugersdorp News reported how Bob became a jungle.