Note to editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Mahalia Kose.
Kgotsong Stadium was one of the jewels of Nala Local Municipality in the Free State. It is well known for hosting almost all major events in both Bothaville and Kgotsong. The stadium has been the centre of community activities and is ideally located making it easily accessible to residents. Please see pictures here, here, here and here.
However, due to neglect and non-maintenance, the stadium has been vandalized and is slowly falling apart. The structure is wrecked, toilet facilities destroyed, electricity cables stolen, and the racing track is slowly diminishing. Likewise, fencing around the stadium is stolen piece by piece, which has resulted in compromised safety in the stadium.
The stadium has hosted school athletics, soccer tournaments, and community projects. The youth of Kgotsong were able to participate and practice in different sporting codes, which increased the opportunities they had. That dream has slowly died as the stadium is no longer safe for youth to continue practising. The lack of sports or youth development facilities in Kgotsong has led to youth gathering in the vandalised stadium to participate in illegal activities.
The stadium has the potential to produce an additional revenue stream for the municipality through bookings and hiring. However, despite all the revenue the stadium has generated, the municipality has failed to provide security and maintenance just to keep the stadium in usable condition. The dilapidated structure is what’s left of this jewel.
We will raise questions in the Local and District councils to ensure transparency on the lack of investment in the community and the steps that will be taken to ensure the stadium is maintained. We encourage residents of Nala to stand up for the well-being of their community by registering and voting in the upcoming National and Provincial Elections. The community can only fight for their municipality by voting for better service delivery in Nala.