Note to Editors: Please note Tammy Colley MPL sound bite in English
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) will call for swift and decisive action by KZN Sports, Arts and Culture MEC, Mntomuhle Khawula and his Head of Department (HOD) following an oversight at the Alfred Duma Municipality multi-phase high-performance sports facility, in uThukela, which has revealed several serious site issues.
The inspection, which took place as part of a Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) portfolio committee exercise late last week has revealed that – barely a year after handover – the recreational centre floor is cracked and broken (view here and here) while paint is peeling on the tennis and combination courts. (view here)
The project, which forms part of an initiative, co-funded by DSAC and the municipality, has the potential to unlock opportunities for local athletes and nurture talent that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Despite the positive intent of this facility and the KZN Government of Provincial Unity’s (GPU’s) commendable long-term vision to develop such sporting infrastructure across KZN, conditions at the site are deeply concerning. This points to poor workmanship and inadequate oversight and is unacceptable when public funds are at stake.
Phases 1–3, handed over in August 2024, delivered valuable facilities including tennis courts, a cricket bowling pitch, volleyball courts, a 5-a-side astro field, an outdoor gym, a BMX track and a recreational centre.
Phase 4 is currently underway, with the construction of a grandstand and high-performance centre overlooking the athletics track, while future phases promise a swimming pool and an indoor sports facility. With this phase now at 80% completion and further phases planned, it is essential that this project does not fall victim to poor oversight and management.
As a responsible partner within KZN’s GPU, the DA will insist that maintenance plans for this facility are presented to the portfolio committee, along with clear timelines and accountability measures for the rest of the planned phases.
The DA is committed to ensure that every rand spent on sports infrastructure delivers value to the people of our province. Our communities deserve infrastructure that works, is well maintained, and is delivered on time.