By Estie Senekal | DA Councillor Dihlabeng Local Municipality
Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Estie Senekal and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL. Please see the pictures here, here, and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Dihlabeng calls for urgent maintenance of Goblepark Stadium to safeguard local sports events. We have engaged with the director and relevant municipal officials, urging immediate maintenance and improved management to restore this vital community facility.
Without intervention, the stadium’s decline will continue, jeopardising local sports events and the economic benefits they bring to the area.
Goblepark Stadium is a crucial revenue-generating asset for the Dihlabeng Local Municipality. However, numerous complaints highlight the worsening condition of its amenities, raising serious concerns. If urgent improvements are not implemented, key sporting events may be relocated to other towns, resulting in financial losses and fewer opportunities for local athletes.
Residents have expressed concern over the stadium’s deteriorating facilities. Toilets are frequently dirty and dysfunctional, with some lacking doors and essential supplies like toilet paper.
There are no waste bins, forcing visitors to use cardboard boxes as makeshift containers. The grass is overgrown, piles of trimmed branches remain uncleared, and many buildings need painting and repairs.
These issues pose health hazards and negatively affect athletes’ performance.
To address these challenges, the DA has made the following recommendations:
- Assign staff to clean and monitor bathrooms during sports events.
- Provide adequate waste bins and cleaning supplies to maintain hygiene standards.
- Ensure regular grass cutting, waste removal, and urgent repairs to stadium facilities.
Goblepark Stadium is more than just a sports venue—it is a central part of Bethlehem’s community and tourism ecosystem. Its picturesque setting and potential to provide positive experiences attract visitors and athletes alike. However, without intervention, its deterioration will continue, diminishing its value to the town.
The DA remains committed to conducting regular oversight visits and applying sustained pressure on the Dihlabeng Local Municipality to fulfil its responsibilities.
We urge the municipality to take immediate action to secure the future of Goblepark Stadium as a premier sports facility.