Cultural Affairs and Sport
Question by Hon Ngqentsu
- How will he and his Department address the construction of a clinic on the NY14 sports grounds in Gugulethu;
- whether he and his Department will allow the construction of a clinic on the NY14 sports grounds in Gugulethu to proceed; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) how will he and his Department ensure that the sports grounds are preserved as part of Gugulethu’s heritage;
- what is the current condition of the Gugulethu Sports Complex;
- whether all the sport facilities are operational; if not, (a) what are the reasons for the current state of disrepair or non-operation and (b) what measures will his Department take to restore these facilities and to ensure they continue to serve the working-class community effectively?
- The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) has informed me that it has engaged with the Western Cape Government Department of Infrastructure (DOI) and the Department of Health and Wellness (WCGHW) to ascertain the details surrounding the proposed construction of a Community Day Centre (CDC) on the ‘NY14 sports grounds’ in Gugulethu. As part of this fact-finding mission, the following information was brought to light.
DOI, on behalf of WCGHW, has been searching for a suitable site for the construction of a new CDC in Gugulethu for approximately 10 years. Various locations were considered and Erf 4140 (the ‘NY14 sports grounds’), which is currently leased to a soccer academy on a year-to-year basis, was identified as a potential site. The City of Cape Town, which owns the erf, agreed in principle that it could be used for the CDC.
Engagements are ongoing between the City and the soccer academy to explore alternative sites for the academy’s activities, as sharing the erf with the CDC was deemed unfeasible due to space and environmental constraints. We are currently awaiting the City’s final decision regarding the possible relocation of the soccer academy to another facility.
- (a) Erf 4140 is not a formal sports ground but rather a vacant plot being
informally used by the soccer academy. There are formal sports facilities nearby, and the City of Cape Town is in discussions with the soccer academy to identify suitable alternative locations. The City would be best placed to provide further updates on these engagements.
- (b) DCAS remains committed to preserving Gugulethu’s sports heritage and
ensuring that the community has access to appropriate sports facilities. However, it is important to clarify that Erf 4140 is not a designated sports ground. The City of Cape Town owns nearby formal facilities and it is working with the soccer academy to find a suitable resolution.
- While we note the concerns regarding the condition of the Gugulethu Sports Complex, the responsibility for maintaining local sport facilities rests with municipalities, as per Schedule 5B of the Constitution. Therefore, the City of Cape Town is best placed to provide details on the current state of the complex and any plans for maintenance or upgrades. DCAS remains committed to supporting municipalities in ensuring that these facilities contribute to community development and crime prevention.
- (a) The operational status of the Gugulethu Sports Complex is a concern,
but the responsibility for addressing these issues lies with the City of Cape Town. The City is better suited to explain the reasons behind any disrepair or non-operation of the facilities.
- (b) While DCAS supports municipalities in the effective use of sport facilities,
the responsibility for restoring the Gugulethu Sports Complex remains with the City of Cape Town. The City would be best placed to provide details on any plans for restoration and the measures they intend to take to ensure the facility continues to serve the community effectively.
