By David Mc Kay | DA Constituency Head Tokologo Local Municipality
Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David Mc Kay MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL and images here,here,here,here,here and here
The rural town of Boshof in the Tokologo municipality is grappling with an economic crisis after the abrupt termination of its nationally and internationally renowned oval track raceway. The decline is a direct result of the complete destruction of the venue, which has been devastated by extensive vandalism and looting of the building.
Since the closure of the facility in 2020, the situation has had dire consequences for the town’s economy, leading to the closure of 11 businesses. The ripple effects of this loss have severely impacted the livelihoods of numerous locals.
Alarmingly, the Tokologo municipality officials have completely failed to address the situation. No case has been opened regarding the vandalism and looting incidents, and the venue itself was uninsured, compounding Boshof’s challenges.
What was once a vibrant hub of activity has now become a shadow of its former self. The venue has been stripped bare, with essential infrastructure disappearing brick by brick. From plumbing and electrical fittings to a fully equipped industrial kitchen, window and door frames to guard rails, crucial elements have all been removed, leaving the site in a state of ruin. The impact is felt beyond oval track events alone; agricultural shows, a cornerstone of local culture and economy, have also been halted due to the absence of a suitable venue.
Residents and local business owners express deep heartbreak over the town’s declining prospects. They point to a troubling pattern of neglect from the ANC-governed municipality. With no apparent plans for rebuilding or restoring this vital facility, frustration is mounting among community members who feel abandoned in their time of need.
The DA is calling for immediate action. Along with the residents, we urge the municipality to take responsibility and develop a concrete plan to restore the oval track venue, which represents a backdrop for sporting events and a key pillar of economic and social growth for the area. Furthermore, the DA will raise this crucial issue in the Legislature, requesting the relative provincial departments to intervene.