HM Pitje stadium flattened to the ground
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has earmarked the area for a state-of-the-art sports precinct.
The remaining skeleton concrete stands of the iconic HM Pitje stadium were finally demolished at a cost of almost R20-million.
DA Gauteng shadow MEC for sports, arts, culture and recreation (SACR), Kingsol Chabalala was widely quoted last year in various mainstream media insinuating that the cost was a staggering R84-million.
MEC for human settlements and infrastructure development Lebogang Maile confirmed R19 630 327.50 was spent.
“The provincial government was responsible for the overall cost of the demolition.
The cost is in line with market-related prices and due diligence was done before appointing a credible service provider,” said Maile.
“The iconic HM Pitje Stadium in Mamelodi is being demolished by the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID), after a series of vandalism and being a golden den for criminal acts.”
The demolition is in response to the cries of the community for the stadium to be demolished and to make way for a new development.
Maile said his department has earmarked the area for a state-of-the-art sports precinct.
“The envisaged precinct will not only change the face of Mamelodi, but yield much needed economic spin-offs for local businesses and broader community,” he said.
The stadium was one of the key legacy projects post-2010 World Cup, but structural defects were identified, hence it failed to not meet the required standards, including that of the local football governing body.
He added HM Pitje stadium has a rich history and heritage not only to the community of Mamelodi, but the whole country.
“Some of the best players of yesteryear used to showcase their dazzling soccer skills here.
“And the community has fond memories, including the fact that it used to be a decorated home of Mamelodi Sundowns.”
Maile said the demolition marks an end of an era.
“As government we are happy local beneficiation has been adhered to by the main service provider.
“A total of eight sub-contractors have been sourced from the area, including general workers. New skills will be transferred and jobs opportunities are being availed,” Maile said.
“The provincial government urges the community of Mamelodi to safeguard and collectively own the envisaged precinct, as a key site of social uplifment and development in the area.”
Soccer legend and former Banyana Banyana coach, Greg Mashilo said he was excited to finally see progress being made on the future of the iconic stadium.
He said the stadium used to be a home ground for Pretoria giants Mamelodi Sundowns .
“We should finally be able to host big teams from DSTV premier league matches.
“The new stadium will motivate young players in Mamelodi to wish to play there one day,” said Mashilo.
He said Mamelodi soccer legends must be given a chance to name and officially open the stadium.
Ward 67 councillor Sizwe Tsiane said the community of ward 67 and Mamelodi in general is excited that finally, the stadium has been demolished.
He said the project is long overdue and that it should not have taken this long.
“The demolition represents a significant moment of hope that finally, once the new stadium is complete, Mamelodi might host Pretoria giants Mamelodi Sundowns and present the residents of Mamelodi different economic opportunities and employment,” said Tsiane.
“Everyone wants an opportunity to participate in the construction of the stadium and assumes that the construction phase has been finalised which is not the case.
“The entire process of tendering will start from scratch, and the relevant department of sports arts and culture, along with the DID has not secured a budget to start such process yet,” he concluded.
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