Neglect and vandalism leave Theunissen sports facilities in ruin

17 Oct 2025 in Press Statements

Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Andre Kruger and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng. See attached pictures here, here, here and video here.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Masilonyana calls on the municipality to urgently restore and secure all sports facilities in Theunissen to prevent further vandalism, theft, and unsafe occupation.

Once vital spaces for community sport, youth engagement, and social cohesion, these facilities have now become symbols of municipal failure and disregard for community well-being. Rugby, Soccer and Netball fields are overgrown and unmaintained, making them unsafe and unusable for any sporting activity.

Of particular concern is the municipal squash court and agricultural hall, which have been converted into an archive storage site for old municipal documents. The structure is not secured, the roof is leaking, part of the roof has been stolen, windows and doors are broken, and rainwater leaks directly onto the stored records, placing both the building and the archived materials at serious risk of irreparable damage.

Furthermore, due to the lack of security and maintenance, these neglected facilities have reportedly become frequented by individuals engaging in substance abuse, including glue-sniffing, posing additional health and safety risks to the community and nearby residents.

It is unacceptable that facilities meant to uplift the youth and promote healthy living are being left to decay while being misused by the municipality. The neglect of these facilities strips the community of opportunities for growth and social development, while also exposing the municipality’s disregard for its mandate to serve the people.

The DA calls on the Masilonyana Municipality to act with urgency to:

  • Secure all sports facilities to prevent further vandalism, theft, and unsafe occupation.
  • Restore the infrastructure of fields, courts, and changing rooms to ensure safe and functional conditions.
  • Reinstate public access so that residents, especially the youth, can once again participate in sport and recreational activities.
  • End the misuse of public sporting infrastructure as municipal storage spaces and ensure that such facilities are not left open to dangerous and unlawful activities.

We are committed to holding the municipality accountable and ensuring that Theunissen residents regain access to safe, well-maintained public facilities that serve their intended purpose, thereby building community pride, encouraging participation in sports, and developing the next generation of local talent.