By OBAKENG MAJE
The world-renowned hip hop artist, Refiloe “Cassper Nyovest” Phoolo squashed the allegations that the Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng, North West is on the brink of collapse. Nyovest is preparing to host the much-anticipated #FillUp Mmabatho stadium event on 3 December 2022 since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country.
Nyovest said they have appointed two structural engineers and the report said the stadium is useable, but not to its full capacity.
“Every #FillUp is created according to the audience. The fact that this is a homecoming, we need to look at culture and heritage among others. Artists like Motlapele “Mo Molemi” Morule and other local artists will benefit from this.
“We also have a campaign that we are running to check, which local artists people love and support. Eighteen upcoming artists will benefit from this event too. We will have superstars like Makhadzi and a surprise act,” he said.
Nyovest said safety measure is one of his priorities and they will use only 30% of the stand. He further encouraged those, who have not bought tickets to do so to avoid disappointment.
“We are going to have a great show even though this might be the hardest #FillUp to organise. People here know every song of mine, but I won’t play all of them. Even though there are many politics surrounding this event, we are most definitely sure that it will be a success,” said Nyovest.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation (ACSR) spokesperson, Virginia Tlhapi said: “The department wishes to distance itself from the narrative that alleges that, Mmabatho Stadium is not safe for usage. We gladly wish to invite anyone who has a structural engineering report that declares Mmabatho Stadium unsafe to bring such information forth.
“In December 2018, the department successfully held the annual Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival at the stadium. Despite the vandalism such as cable theft, and electrical and plumbing systems, there is nothing that warrants the prevention of the usage of the Mmabatho stadium.”
Tlhapi further said, the department has long started with the upkeep of the stadium as she pronounced during the 2022/23 departmental budget speech. She added that, due to financial constraints, the department has not planned to construct any new infrastructure facilities, but will continue with the maintenance of the existing infrastructure of stadia and recreation centres with a special focus on Mmabatho, Lehurutshe, and Itsoseng stadia.
“The department has already done work on the surface of the pitch, which is now in good shape. The VIP section is also in proper condition and can also be used safely. So, it is all systems go for #FillUp Mmabatho stadium. The department has confirmed that it is one of the supporters of the major event, which is one of a series that has taken place in such areas as Johannesburg, Durban, and Rustenburg,” she said.
The Guardian 