For some time now I have been following the saga with regards the "SALE" of the Krugersdorp sports stadium to the Kaiser Chiefs soccer team.
I have noted the fact that the mayor does not respond to questions from this newspaper. I have read about the impact on the schools athletics, Khosa cricket, gymnastics club, etc. However, to date I have not seen anything around the affected parties getting together and challenging this decision! Surely there must be a case for stopping this process?
Consider that about 10 schools are affected (approx. 1200 pupils per school), as well as the various sporting bodies. Probably a total of betwen 10,000 and 15,000 people will be affected.
At R10.00 per person this is between R100,00 and R150,000 in a kitty which can be used to employ some serious lawyers to look into the legality of this decision, and, if possible, to challenge it in a court of law.
I mean come on! This venue was built over many years by the residents of Krugersdorp, NOT the mayor, or any of his cronies, or the ANC, or any other political party, but by the residents. We built it specifically for the purpose of what it has been to us for all these years, a place where we can ALL enjoy the various sporting events which we ALL enjoy, as one level or another. You cannot tell me that the mayor can righfully get rid of, it so to speak.
I have heard some talk in my local club around the issue, but no-one seems to have a straight answer, so I'm not too sure if there is much misinformation going on, or if there is just no input / output from the mayors office.
If there is a motivation for the sale, insofar as the new "tenants" will be spending many millions to rebuild/ reshape the current configuration for soccer, surely it stands to reason that they could spend that money building a whole new stadium.
This could be done in an area which would be more appropriate. It could be more accesible to the surrounding areas. It could be deigned with the right / required parking spaces, and traffic controls. And away from the residential area, where it won't become a problem.
Fianlly, if this is a means to bring in much needed funding, then even more reason NOT to let it continue. This cannot be lagal. Just as moving on of OUR baby grand pianos from the Town hall to the mayors house cannot be legal. In my books, it is theft. And given a few more of these incidents, and I may be the one to go down to the local police station and lay that charge of theft!!!
Watch this space!!
Article about this fiasco on the city's web page:-
Soccer greats support sports hub
23 December 2005
By Mogale City Reporter
PLANS to build a world-class sporting precinct in Mogale City received a major boost when former professional soccer players recently threw their weight behind the project.
The players met at the Bob van Reneen Stadium under the auspices of Soccer Legends. Hosted by Ace Ntsoelengoe, the only South African player to feature in the Soccer Hall of Fame, soccer greats from the 1970s and 1980s were present.
Khalefa Mabalane, president of Soccer Legends, said, "The purpose of the structure is to empower former soccer players and to provide a platform for them to network."
Former soccer greats should position themselves to play an active part in the 2010 Fifa World Cup, he added, calling on the stars to upgrade their skills to adapt to changed circumstances.
"We need to acquire new skills - that is the only way we can survive." Speaking at the gathering, Mayor Lentswe Mokgatle unveiled plans to build an international soccer precinct in Mogale City, complete with hotels and new stadiums.
"Plans include the construction of stadiums for soccer, plus a world-class cricket and rugby stadium." He said cycling and athletics were to be relocated. Demolition would take place in January and stadium would be ready for use by the end of 2007.
Trott Moloto, the former Bafana Bafana coach, said Soccer Legends looked after those heroes who had plied their skills on the soccer pitches of the past.
"The development project needs great support from everyone." Moloto welcomed political support for the organisation and expressed his appreciation to the mayor for his support. "We really appreciate this support. "When the new stadium is built, our one wish will be for the names of soccer legends from our generation to be engraved on a plague. We don't want to be forgotten."
Soccer Legends was established in 2003.
AND THEY GOING TO DO ALL OF THIS DEVELOPMENT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY, WHERE ALL THE LAND IS ALREADY BUILT UP!?!?!?!?!?
Then, if anyone is interested, here's a link to the town:-
http://www.mogalecity.gov.za/residents/index.stm
And an cutting from one of its pages......
What facilities does Mogale City have?
Mogale City has a wide range of facilities for its residents, including:
twenty-seven schools and educational institutions;
four hospitals;
an airfield;
a renowned athletic and cycling sports stadium; (TAKE NOTE)
a 1 400 hectare game reserve with luxury exclusive facilities and plenty of game;
dams with 14 hectares of water coverage;
five railway stations with 116 trains daily;
an 18-hole golf course;
an acclaimed cultural centre with modern facilities; and
an interesting museum.It is also the seat of various regional, financial, governmental and educational institutions.
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