Rethabile sports facility in state of ruin

Rethabile sports ground in Mamelodi, which played an important role when it came to the youth in the area, was in a state of ruin.

In fact, there was nothing left of the facility except for the soccer field – but even the goalposts were stolen.

Rethabile sports ground once featured four tennis courts, two basketball courts and three soccer fields.

Ward 23 councillor Jack Mukhari said the facilities played an important role “in keeping local youths busy so that they were not tempted to become involved in criminal activities”.

He started complaining to the Tshwane metro about security at the sports field in 2016 when he was elected ward councillor.

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“The sports field was in a dire condition and urgently needed repairs. Criminals have already started removing the roof of the toilets and showers,” said Mukhari.

“We launched complaints about the security and that it needed to be taken care of as soon as possible, but the Tshwane metro ignored the situation.

“The roof, door frames, windows and other fitting material, worth thousands of rands, have been taken.

“The caretakers of the sports ground decided to move out as they were fearing for their lives. The situation got out of hand. Within two years everything was gone and there were no longer any security guards at night,” said Mukhari.

The local teams and community members complained the facility had been destroyed by criminals and had turned into a hide-out for criminals.

Joe Nkosi, who exercises at the site every morning, said he had been running at the field “for years” and said it was sad to see the facility being destroyed every day.

“The local teams used to play soccer matches every week; during the week children practised tennis and the boys played basketball during the week and over the weekends,” said Nkosi.

He said even back then it was in a bad condition but the facility was still beautiful and needed to be taken care of.

“If they had security guards, the place could still be in good condition hosting big tournaments.”

Another resident, Ben Nkwana, said it was no longer safe to train until late at the facility.

“The people you find here exercising are the people who want to keep fit and strong,” said Nkwana.

“The local soccer teams no longer train at the facility because there are no goalposts to practice free kicks or train goalkeepers.

“Mamelodi has a lot of talented people and this facility was a platform to develop those talents but our children today find themselves roaming the streets of Mamelodi.”

Nkwana said that the drug addicts have already removed bricks from the toilets and administration office.

Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said they were getting quotations for some of the much-needed repairs.

“In addition, there are ongoing engagements with potential donors to help with the costs of restoring the facility to its former state.”

Mashigo further said it should be emphasised that repairs in question will be considered once the provision of safeguarding the facility is in place or has been addressed.

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