The DA in Lephalale is fighting for access for the youth of Ga-Seleka Village to their stadium that was completed eight years ago and has since remained closed to the public. However, it was used for the first time in 8 years, exclusively for the Mayor’s Imbizo.
This facility was built with public money and with the promise of serving the sporting and recreational needs of the Seleka community. It continues to stand unused and inaccessible to the general public despite growing demand from schools, sports clubs, and local organisations to have access to the facility. View photos here, here and video here.
Over the past years, the youth of Ga-Seleka have lacked proper sporting infrastructure, and opportunities for talent development and this has severely limited potential growth and development. Community members have repeatedly requested clarity on why the stadium remains closed and when it will be operational. To date, no satisfactory explanation has been provided by the Lephalale Local Municipality.
We believe that this prolonged inaccessibility represents not only a waste of valuable resources but also a failure to uphold commitments made to the public. It is unacceptable that such a vital community asset is allowed to deteriorate due to administrative mismanagement, neglect and excluding the community from using the facility.
We therefore demand:
1. A clear and public explanation from the Mayor, Aaron Mokgehle, on why the stadium has not yet been opened to the public for recreational use.
2. An immediate action plan and timetable for the official opening and use of the stadium.
3. Transparent communication regarding the facility’s management, accessibility, and usage guidelines for community members.
4. Urgent response to the DA’s written questions regarding the Seleka Stadium.
The stadium belongs to the people. It is time for it to serve its intended purpose — to empower, unite, and uplift the communities of Ga-Seleka through sport, recreation, and development.