Dream of Mams skateboard park close to realisation
As Mofolo has already secured funding to build the skateboard club, all that was outstanding was to get approval from the department and build the club on the piece of land that he has identified.
A dream of Mamelodi residents to build a skateboard park near the Mamelodi East Police Station for recreation is coming to fruition.
Recently public works and infrastructure development minister Dean McPherson and MMC for human settlements Ofentse Madzibatela allocated a piece of land to this project.
Founder of Mamelodi Skate Club, Poelo Mofolo, reached out to the new minister on Instagram about the land next to Mamelodi police station being developed a skate park.
Mofolo, who grew up in a children’s home, said it was his dream to build the first skate park in Mamelodi, and he has been struggling for years to find land in the township.
He said when he finally found one next to the Mamelodi East police station, it needed a few signatures.
However, McPherson did not hesitate to contact Mofolo and listen to his idea.
Macpherson said Mofolo contacted him on Instagram with a great idea and asked for help.
The minister, accompanied by Madzibatela as a stand-in for the mayor, came to Mamelodi on Tuesday to assure Mofolo that his department would definitely allocate the piece of land next to the police station for him to build the skateboard club.
Mofolo has already secured funding to build the club, and all that was outstanding was the approval of the department.
The minister said he received a message from Mofolo about his dream of building a skateboard park in Mamelodi and was already interested.
He described the skateboard park as his first ever public assignment since being appointed minister in June.
“Our department as the custodian of state assets, has to work with the community to put those assets to good use,” he said.
He said only a few signatures were outstanding before the land could be officially handed over to Mofolo to build the skateboard park.
He said hopefully, everything will be in order by the end of this month.
McPherson also said at some point in his life, he tried taking up skateboarding as a hobby but failed.
He said the earmarked land was being used as illegal dumpsite and car wash.
“I know very well that unused land causes problems for local governments as it leads to illegal dumping, crime, and health and safety issues,” he said.
McPherson made it clear that since the land will be handed to Mofolo for building the skateboard park, no disruptions by those seeking a 30% stake in the construction would be tolerated.
He said his department will work hand in hand with police and the community to secure the construction site.
“We are happy that Poelo has collaborated with the minister to use unused land, as it causes problems for the Tshwane Metro and the community,” said Madzibatela.
“The Tshwane Metro is here to support you, as what you are doing is very courageous.
Mofolo’s story is heartwarming because of the way he has been helping other people, and we need more like him as that is the way we build a community that fights against crime and drug abuse.”
Mofolo said he was happy the minister had availed himself and his team, and that Tshwane was also there. He said the skateboard park that would have a social impact on the community.
“The Skateboard Park precinct will not only benefit the community of Mamelodi as a sports facility but will also host youth programmes, an afternoon school programme, and a computer lab,” said Mofolo.
But residents neighbouring the land for the proposed park had mixed feelings about the project saying that the government and metro should have engaged them on the plan first.
Some complained about the illegal dumpsite, and that the metro had failed to clear the veld, while others welcomed the idea of the new skateboard park that would keep their children away from the streets.
ALSO READ: Metro committed to attracting investors
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
