Leandra Stadium project faces scrutiny as municipality redirects R10m to eMbalenhle water project

The Select Committee on public participation, petitions and members’ legislative proposals has uncovered significant irregularities in the Lebohang Stadium upgrade project in Leandra, prompting immediate intervention and financial restructuring by the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM).

Following the committee’s findings related to discrepancies in the execution of the first phase of the stadium project, the municipality has committed an additional R3m to address the identified defects.

At the same time, a request for R10m was submitted to the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR) to fund the completion of Phase 2.

During a council meeting held on May 28, GMM resolved to reallocate the R10m initially designated for the stadium to the eMbalenhle Bulk Water Project, which is currently facing a budget shortfall.

This critical infrastructure project has exhausted its allocated funds and is vital to ensuring continued service delivery to the community.

Executive Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma confirmed that the first phase of the Lebohang Stadium upgrade has been completed. It included construction of change rooms, ablution blocks, a soccer field, combi-court upgrades, perimeter fencing, drainage systems, a guard room, irrigation, and paved parking.

“The Phase 1 funds were limited and only covered select aspects. We applied for additional funding to complete the remaining scope under Phase 2, which includes a 1 000-seater grandstand, floodlighting, bulk earthworks, mesh fencing, and water services relocation,” said Zuma.

Although the Phase 2 tender was advertised in January, the process was unsuccessful, as no suitable bidders were identified. This led to the cancellation of the procurement process on March 4.

With the municipal financial year closing on June 30, GMM faced the risk of under-expenditure on its Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), which could result in forfeiting the funds.

To meet the 100% expenditure target, the Project Management Unit (PMU) recommended reallocating the R10m to the eMbalenhle water project — a multi-year initiative currently in need of immediate financial support.

“This budget shift is essential to retain our MIG allocation and advance critical infrastructure delivery in eMbalenhle. While this adjustment affects only one project, it aligns with prior council resolutions A127/11/2024 and A042/03/2025,” Zuma emphasized.

Zuma assured residents that the Lebohang Stadium Phase 2 project will be re-advertised in the next financial year, contingent on available funding and the identification of a qualified contractor.

ALSO CHECK: Wanted criminal shot dead near Nigel

ALSO CHECK: eMbalenhle ECD centres march to Police Station in support of Child Protection Week