HM Pitje stadium vandalised
The stadium had not been used for more than a decade and later turned into a hideout for criminals and drugs addicts.
For several weeks, Mamelodi residents were seen stripping what infrastructure was left at the local HM Pitje stadium.
The residents were seen by Record removing the steel stands at the stadium, while others helped themselves to pieces of pavement and bricks.
Tshwane metro spokesperson, Lindela Mahshigo said securing the facility and the surrounding community was a concern to the metro.
“Guards have been posted at the stadium – but they have been threatened and chased away by a group with criminal intentions,” said Mashigo.
He said routine patrols in the area are carried out from time to time; however, it was clear that policing operations, which will include stop-and-search, will have to be intensified.
“The demolition of the stadium is the responsibility of Gauteng province and the metro has already awarded the necessary demolition certificate to the provincial government,” said Mashigo.
The stadium had not been used for more than a decade and became a hideout for criminals and drug addicts.
Mashigo added that there was a project steering committee established, comprising of representatives of the metro, Gauteng province sports and infrastructure development departments.
“The committee is looking at possible funding models for rebuilding the stadium,” he said.
However, concerned residents started campaigns before such as Bring Back Mamelodi aimed at restoring the stadium.
The stadium has not been in use since 2005.
The stadium was set to be upgraded and was billed to be a 2010 Fifa World Cup SA legacy project for the city, but none of that ever happened.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng said it was disappointed that the lack of progress with the reconstruction of the stadium which has resulted in children and sporting clubs seeking alternative venues such as Loftus Versfeld and Lucas Moripe stadiums in Atteridgeville.
This has naturally caused unnecessary frustration for Mamelodi residents in Tshwane.
“The stadium was once the pride of the local community and a home to CAF champions, Mamelodi Sundown,” said the DA’s Lebo More.
“But now it is now a drug den and a safe harbour for criminals, putting residents’ lives in danger.”
Gauteng sports, arts, culture and recreation MEC Mbali Hlophe said it was decided to demolish the stadium had been taken.
“This decision was communicated to residents during a stakeholder meeting on February 27,” said More.
The demolition will take place in the current financial year, however, there is no date as to when this will happen.
According to the MEC, the estimated cost of the demolition is R20-million.
“The reconstruction of the stadium remains a challenge as it will cost R10 000 per seat for a new stadium.
“This clearly indicates that the department has not yet budgeted for the reconstruction of the stadium. Yet, they are aware that the communities are in dire need of proper sporting facilities such as this stadium, which will certainly nurture and develop young sporting talent,” said More.
Furthermore, the department has under-spent by R161.1-million for the 2020/21 financial year of which there is R844 000 irregular expenditure as a result of irregular appointments.
More added that this information was revealed in the department’s fourth quarter report for the said financial year.
Gauteng Department of Sport and recreation is yet to comment.
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