Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Rudi Maartens and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL. See attached pictures here, here, here, and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mangaung will write to the Free State Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation to ensure it fulfils its responsibility in restoring the Clive Solomon Stadium.
The stadium’s ongoing neglect has forced the local community to bear the burden of repairs and upgrades themselves, depriving residents of a fully functional and safe sports facility.
Despite the stadium’s current state of disrepair, characterised by overgrown weeds, crumbling infrastructure, and unresolved perimeter fencing issues, the local community has refused to be defeated.
Instead, residents have rallied together, creating inclusive platforms that empower individuals to shape and reclaim their public spaces actively.
Recent site visits highlight the extent of the deterioration, yet they also reveal a powerful story of resilience.
Local soccer clubs, with the help of the Councillor, recently hosted a fundraising tournament to secure topsoil and sand in preparation for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, the Heidedal Cricket Club has taken the lead in repairing the dilapidated perimeter walls and installing two cricket practice nets, demonstrating a hands-on commitment to revitalising the stadium.
These grassroots efforts, driven by community members, sponsors, and civic organisations, are transforming vision into action. The DA commends the efforts by the community to step up despite no support from the municipality.
From ongoing work on the cricket fields to persistent negotiations over fencing and security concerns, the people of Ward 47 are demonstrating that meaningful change begins with local leadership and a collective will.
We further call on the Mangaung Department of Asset Management (Finance), the Department of Community Services, which deals with sports facilities, and the Department of Public Safety and Security, which deals with law and order, to intervene urgently.
Together, we will continue to work tirelessly, turning neglect into pride and despair into opportunity.