SEDIBENG.– It appears the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing at the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM).

This comes after the published story by Sedibeng Ster earlier this month that the local authority planned to sell the facility, which has recently fallen into disrepair and is currently being used as a dumping site.

The initial revelation emerged when the Peter Khoabane Foundation, led by former professional footballer Peter ‘Fire’ Khoabane, submitted a proposal to lease the grounds.

The foundation said that the stadium is a potential gold mine of social, economic, and environmental benefits if properly managed. The foundation aims to turn the stadium into a thriving community hub, geared towards addressing social challenges.

However, ELM initially rejected the proposal.

In a letter seen by Sedibeng Ster, dated June 9, the Property Development department stated that the land was unavailable for lease because it had been earmarked for public sale.

“Please be advised that the erven [stand or land] that you applied for leasing are not available for leasing as it has been identified for disposal through a public sale process,” said Mphezdiseni Netshikweta, assistant manager of the Property Development department.

Khoabane, a former Bafana Bafana player, was advised to bid for the property once the public tender opened.

In a new twist to the matter, the municipality sent a secondary letter on July 13 officially withdrawing the initial rejection and asking the foundation to ignore the previous correspondence.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

The new letter explained that the lease proposal had actually been forwarded to the Executive Committee for further consideration, with a view to making a recommendation to the full Council for a long-term lease.

“Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused,” the municipality said.

Khoabane expressed his delight at the sudden change of heart and voiced his hope for a swift resolution.

Meanwhile, the situation has sparked strong political reactions across the region.

Speaking on local radio station Thetha FM recently, Lehlohonolo Malindi, the Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for sports, made it clear that the stadium would not be sold under his party’s watch. He pledged to fight to keep the facility in public hands for the benefit of the residents who need it most.

Political candidates from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) have also weighed in, threatening legal action against the municipality if any sale goes ahead.

Zone 11 MKP Ward candidate Botiki Nkopane strongly condemned the proposed sale.

“We are strongly against the idea of selling and firmly warn the Emfuleni municipality to refrain from this nonsensical thieving conduct or face legal action. The will of the people must, at all times, reign supreme and such must be protected against all odds. We further note and endorse the previous proposals to allow interested former soccer stars to be granted a lease as alluded, and as the community, we rally behind this initiative.”

Nkopane confirmed that the community fully supports granting a lease to former sports stars to restore the stadium.

Such plans are not part of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

“Such plans are not part of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) but an act of those who want to continue looting, as a matter of emphasis to those who intend to do more harm than good within the Emfuleni Municipality. I also wish to acknowledge the sentiments of the current Emfuleni Municipality Mayor, Hassan Mako, for condemning the idea and admire the courageous intentions to take action,” Nkopane added.