Ruimsig Stadium crumbles amid neglect and theft
A once-thriving stadium was abandoned with its infrastructure slowly decaying and being sold for scrap.
Once a vibrant cornerstone of community sport and youth development, Ruimsig Stadium now stands as a haunting symbol of neglect – its infrastructure looted, facilities unsafe, and future uncertain.
Despite repeated attempts to engage the Department of Sports and Recreation, no action has been taken to rescue the crumbling facility. The stadium, which once hosted some of Gauteng’s largest athletic competitions, is no longer fit for use.
According to veteran athletics coach Arnold Rossi, this year’s athletics season was marred by the stadium’s closure after athletes refused to compete on the deteriorating grounds, fearing serious injury.
Also read: Ruimsig Stadium is being stripped bare
“The stadium is becoming another Bob van Reenen,” warns Rossi, referring to the iconic Krugersdorp stadium that was abandoned and left to decay for over 16 years. “We are watching history repeat itself.”
During a site visit, the Roodepoort Northsider witnessed firsthand the extent of the damage:
• Aluminium poles surrounding the discus and hammer throw area have been cut and stolen
• The safety net is missing entirely, rendering the area unusable for athletes and schools
• Field and track lights are being stolen piece by piece, with many now wholly gone
• External lighting around the stadium has been stripped, making the premises dangerously dark and unsafe for any evening activities
“Evening training is out of the question now,” said Rossi. “It’s a safety hazard. Criminals are stripping the lights and selling them, and no one is stopping them.”
While some minor victories – like the replacement of stolen palisade fencing after community intervention – offer glimmers of hope, the overall picture remains bleak.
Also read: More setbacks in stadium saga
The stadium’s continued decline is not just an inconvenience. It’s a direct blow to local athletes, coaches, schools, and community groups who have relied on it for decades. Young athletes are now forced to seek alternative venues, if they can find them. Others have simply given up.
“This is a symptom of a broader failure,” Rossi stated.
“Ruimsig was a place where future stars were built. Now it’s a scrap yard. And the silence from those in charge is deafening.”
The Northsider has reached out to the Department of Sports and Recreation’s Region C Director, Joyce Jiyane, for comment. A follow-up article will be published once a response is received.
