Central SA
Can Mmabatho Stadium safely host over 50 000 fans?─── TSHEHLA KOTELI 13:58 Fri, 18 Nov 2022
A question has been raised on whether the Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng, North West, is safe to host patrons to full capacity.
Weeks before the stadium hosts the "Fill Up Mmabatho Stadium" event by Mahikeng-born rapper, Cassper Nyovest, the DA in the province has raised their concerns over the current state of the stadium.
The DA’s Winston Rabotapi alleges the stadium does not have any functional ablution facilities, parts of the general seating area are dilapidated, and the pitch spotlights are not working. “One of the spotlights recently caught fire and fire extinguishers were just left at the scene.”
According to Rabotapi, the stadium has previously been closed due to safety concerns. In addition to some of the issues that are alleged to be at the stadium, in the VIP area there are no chairs, and the roof is leaking, while the presidential suite is dilapidated, ceilings are falling in and the air conditioner is dysfunctional.
ALSO READ: Young woman who fell to her death at Maftown Heights identified
A woman has in 2018 allegedly fell to her death at the stadium in question. It is understood that 18-year-old Lesego Khukhwane was attending Maftown Heights' music concert.
Provincial police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone, said the woman was declared dead on the scene after a doctor and a paramedic attended to her. It is at the moment unclear what has come out of the police’s investigation since the incident happened.
In the latest, Rabotapi further states that they will request the MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Galebakwe Tlhapi, and the Executive Mayor of Mahikeng, Tshepiso Mphehlo, to ensure that the necessary safety checks and assessments are done at Mmabatho Stadium to ensure the structural integrity of the stadium before the event which will take place on 3 December 2022.
It was indicated by the Auditor-General, during a presentation on the Department of Public Works' annual report for the 2021/22 financial year, that there was a failure by the department to conduct conditional assessments on its buildings for several years.
The event is expected to bring a significant boost to the local economy.
By the time of publishing, the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports & Recreation’s spokesperson, Vusi Kama, had not replied to OFM News’ enquiry sent on Monday 14 November 2022.
