Tag Archives: Culture and Recreation

DA to monitor R13 million Mmabatho Stadium refurbishment commitment

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Picture: Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 September 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has noted the commitment made by Minister Gayton McKenzie and Deputy Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, to the North West MEC for Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi of R13 million over the MTEF period for the refurbishment of the long-neglected Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng.

DA spokesperson on Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation in the North West, Wolfgang Wallhorn said this intervention comes after sustained DA pressure, including their statement in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) on 26 August 2025, demanding urgent action, accountability, and investment following Orbit Soccer Club’s promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Wallhorn said Orbit has been forced to play outside the province with Gauteng reaping the economic and social benefits that should rightly belong to North West.

“During their oversight visit, the Minister and Deputy Minister confirmed that engineers will return within two weeks to conduct a formal assessment and commission a technical report.

“Repairs will go beyond ablution facilities, seating, and VIP areas to also include the athletics field. The private sector will be brought on board to assist in the refurbishment. Communities were urged to protect government facilities and stop destroying infrastructure,” he said.

Wallhorn further said the DA stresses that while this funding is national, they will ensure that it does not become another unfunded promise or photo opportunity. He added that to this end, the DA will task their representatives in the National Assembly’s Sports Committee to obtain all relevant information directly from the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture.

“These actions will allow us to ensure that the commitment is captured in black and white, with proper plans, budgets, and timelines in place.

“The DA has raised concerns about Mmabatho Stadium since November 2022, pointing out broken ablutions, collapsed seating, inoperative floodlights, leaking roofs, and dysfunctional air-conditioning,” said Wallhorn.

He said for too long, promises have been made without delivery. Wallhorn said Mmabatho Stadium must become more than a political talking point.

“It must be transformed into a symbol of renewal, pride, and opportunity for our province. The DA will continue to monitor this project closely to ensure that the long-overdue refurbishment delivers real benefits for athletes, supporters, and communities,” he said.

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North West MEC for Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi’s ‘empty’ promises to Orbit College FC

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Picture: North West MEC for Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE 

13 August 2025- The disenchanted Orbit College FC coach, Pogisho Makhoye accused the North West Department of Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation of making empty promises. This comes after the North West MEC for Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi allegedly made a promise that her department will bear some of the cost regarding Orbit College FC’s pre-season camp in Potchefstroom. 

According to Makhoye, that was just a ‘pep talk’ and nothing has been done thus far. Makhoye also raised the issue regarding the readiness of Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg. 

However, the North West MEC for Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi spokesperson, Motheo Sebolaaneng said Olympia Park Stadium is the responsibility of the Rustenburg Local Municipality and they are the one that committed to fix the stadium in the stakeholders meeting held at Royal Marang Hotel in Rustenburg. 

Sebolaaneng said the municipality confirmed in a meeting that they have the budget to fix the stadium. 

“So, blaming the North West Department of Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation in matters related to the local government is unfair. However, Tlhapi met with the local municipality and made arrangements with the private sector to speed up the renovation of the stadium.

“On the issue of camping, the department made a commitment for the camp in Potchefstroom and instructed the Sport Academy, an entity of the department, to settle the payment,” he said.

Sebolaaneng further said, however, upon arrival, the Academy Manager was told that the club has already paid for the accommodation. He added that the process now is for the Academy, upon receiving its transfer from the department, to refund the team and they were made aware of that. 

“The commitment made by the department was to support the Orbit College FC with R400 000, which R100 000 was supposed to be for the camp and R300 000 for the pre-season tournament. So, this is the amount which will be paid. 

“Unfortunately the process of government needs to be followed, especially that the department wants to maintain its clean audit,” said Sebolaaneng.

Meanwhile, the Rustenburg Local Municipality acting spokesperson, Odirile Modiba told Radio 2000that: “Indeed, we understand the frustration and we are working around the clock to address that. There are four issues that were highlighted by the Betway Premier Soccer League (PSL) regarding the use of Olympia Park Stadium. 

“So, the Rustenburg Local Municipality is addressing those issues and hopefully by the end of September, the Orbit College FC will be back to its home ground.” 

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