South Africa

‘They have no shame’: R15m sports field draws mixed reactions

05 October 2021 - 11:28
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
A now-deleted post shared by the Enoch Mgijima local municipality showed ANC officials cutting the ribbon as members of the community sat seated on the side.
A now-deleted post shared by the Enoch Mgijima local municipality showed ANC officials cutting the ribbon as members of the community sat seated on the side.
Image: Facebook/ Enoch Mgijima local municipality

The unveiling of a sports “stadium” in the Eastern Cape, reportedly costing R15m, has garnered mixed reactions online, with many questioning the price tag attached to it. 

On Monday, ANC-run Enoch Mgijima local municipality opened the Lesseyton sports field in the northwest of Komani, formerly known as Queenstown.

The opening of the field comes a month before the local government elections. 

In a now-deleted post shared by the municipality, ANC officials in party regalia can be seen cutting the ribbon with members of the community seated on the side. 

The “state of the art” sports field is meant to host soccer and rugby games.

ANC officials and community members at the opening of the sports field near Komani in the eastern Cape
ANC officials and community members at the opening of the sports field near Komani in the eastern Cape
Image: Screenshot

According to the municipality, the facility cost R15m because of the work done to it, including palisade fencing, rock blasting, earthworks, layer works and water reticulation installation. 

An athletics track, ablution facilities, changing rooms, a borehole, sewer system with a septic tank, electrical installation, a rainwater catchment tank, high-rise water main tank, a guardhouse, and gravel car parking lot were also added to the list of costly items

A now-deleted post detailing the R15m Lesseyton Sports field in the northwest of Queenstown.
A now-deleted post detailing the R15m Lesseyton Sports field in the northwest of Queenstown.
Image: screenshot

ANC Ward 18 councillor Unathi Mlindazwe said he was impressed with the field. 

“The facility will keep our children far from drugs or anything that could tarnish their future. We are hopeful that the sports field will produce the next sports stars,” said Mlindazwe.

Video of the Lesseyton Sports Facility This is a look into Lesseyton Sports Facility which was recently officially opened.

Posted by Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality on Monday, October 4, 2021

On social media, the images of the sports field drew mixed reactions from many, including EFF deputy leader Floyd Shivambu and One SA movement leader Mmusi Maimane, who were suspicious about the costs of the facility.

Here is a snapshot of what many had to say:

MORE

WATCH | 'Cheap politicking' - Sihle Zikalala slammed for water project launch

"Invite the cameras, invite the media, we have a big day ahead of us! We are going to open a tap!" wrote one social media user.
Politics
3 years ago

WATCH | LOL! Video of Trevor Noah mocking politicians' empty promises resurfaces

"Now it's election time which means politicians are out in full force. Busy kissing babies and Helen Zille is dancing again and speaking isiXhosa," ...
TshisaLIVE
3 years ago

WATCH | Gwede Mantashe: Government can’t promise to employ everyone

ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe says government cannot solve SA’s high unemployment rate by itself because it is a national crisis.
News
3 years ago
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Most read

  1. Former Spar manager and bookkeeper 'defrauded shop of R2.3m' South Africa
  2. Tshwane's hijacked buildings turned into mini informal settlement and motor ... South Africa
  3. SCA rules for evicted reclaimers that they have a right to earn a living South Africa
  4. Judge president moves to ease Gauteng RAF, medical negligence caseload South Africa
  5. Hijacking suspects in police uniforms arrested in Sebenza South Africa

Latest Videos

Standing Committee on Public Accounts, 25 April 2025
Teenager charged with arson in New Jersey wildfire