WATCH: Nasaret kids have no sports facilities
There's a permanent security guard posted at the stadium to curb vandalism and theft.
DA Councillor Morgan Bruiners says sport is one way to combat idleness and consequent substance abuse among the youth, especially in Nasaret, where he founded the Nasaret Against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse non-profit.
While children in other schools look forward to the athletics season, marking the start of the new school year, Nasaret children would rather sit out the annual interhouse battle due to the state of the Nasaret Stadium.
The stadium is so prone to vandalism and theft that a full-time security guard had to be employed to keep the vandals out.
Not only are the fixed assets targets for the vandals and thieves, the gutted buildings provide the perfect shelter for drug users to enjoy their vices far from the public eye.
@middelburgobserver DA PR Councillor Morgan Bruiners was critical following a visit to the Nasaret communal sports grounds, describing the facility as unsuitable for hosting school sports such as athletics. A permanent security guard has been appointed to protect municipal infrastructure at the stadium, where vandalism occurs almost daily and drug users and dealers reportedly operate out of dilapidated buildings, away from public view.
Bruiners complains yearly about the state of affairs, robbing promising Nasaret youngsters from reaching their potential due to a lack of practice facilities.
Several power boxes and other electrical infrastructure at Kees Taljaard Stadium were also vandalised and gutted of sellable cables and components since the weekend.
The vandalism was discovered by Middelburg Rugby Club’s head coach Henk Wessels ahead of Monday night’s first practice session for the club.
Bruiners said that despite the grass at the Nasaret Stadium recently being cut, the track and field used for athletics and other sports has an uneven surface, with weeds and other pests taking over the grass.
There are also hazards, including glass bottle shards, stones, and other objects that could injure children.
Most schools, including high schools and primary schools, host their interhouse athletics meeting on Friday this week.
But not Nasaret Combined.
