By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
23 April 2026 – The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries on Thursday voiced concerns over dilapidated sporting facilities in the Matlosana Local Municipality. The committee said it was disappointing to see high-quality infrastructure being allowed to deteriorate.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Makhi Feni said failure to do maintenance would now require millions of rands in repairs, millions that the government does not have in the current fiscal environment. Feni said this is money that could be better spent elsewhere, providing basic services to the people.
“The condition of these facilities is frustrating when communities are lamenting the lack of sporting facilities. It is not fair to communities to allow facilities to fall into ruin and then claim vandalism, when basic maintenance has been neglected.
“We are hopeful that the municipality, not only Matlosana, will be able to review the use of these facilities and draw up comprehensive maintenance plans. The committee is conducting oversight in the province and visited a dilapidated Olympic-size (50x50m) swimming pool, the James Motlatsi Stadium, the Mark Otter Stadium, the Philemon Masinga Sports Complex and a library,” he said.
Feni urged municipal officials to make practical plans for maintenance, rather than being swayed by the rich history of the facilities, given that resources do not allow for full restoration. He further said as leaders, they need to make decisions that sometimes make them unpopular.
“The maintenance plan also needed to address the public-private partnerships and provide clear timeframes. The minor glitches that will not kill the budget need to be prioritised, and the budget should be focused on where it will have the biggest impact for the community.
“The committee concluded its oversight visit to the North West on Thursday,” added Feni.
The Guardian 