Mamelodi Residents Push Back on HM Pitje Stadium Lease Plans

In a community hall echo with sentiments of tradition and local pride, Mamelodi residents have firmly stood up against Tshwane officials' plans to lease the historic HM Pitje Stadium. On a crucial Saturday meet-up dated February 24, Deputy Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya encountered a wall of resistance from a passionate crowd at the Mamelodi West Community Hall, who viewed the stadium as much more than a mere rental opportunity.

The municipal council's resolution, as explained by Dr. Moya, proposed an extended lease of up to 80 years to a private entity responsible for reconstructing the dilapidated stadium grounds. This proposition, she reiterated, was made while ensuring that the city retains ownership of the land and that any developments uphold the stadium's legacy as a center for sports development.

The economic quandary faced by the city is stark - with no funds available to refurbish the stadium, the city is exploring leasing as a viable alternative to generate revenue without relinquishing the property. Moya and her colleagues, such as Thabo Mokebe, acting group head for community and social development services, stressed that this plan is not privatisation but a means to engage stakeholders and businesses to revitalize the sports complex.

However, local voices, powered by a sense of community ownership and nostalgia, are calling for a different path. Residents like Koos Mahlangu yearn to see the stadium return to its former glory, a sentiment echoed by sporting figures such as former Banyana Banyana coach Greg Mashilo, who demands immediate action to restore the facility.

The pushback intensifies with Simon Phetla, the regional secretary of region 6 sports council, explicitly rejecting the notion of leasing. Instead, he advocates for giving power back to the community for a self-driven rejuvenation process. Willy Sibande of the South African Military Veterans stresses the need for an apology from the provincial government, suggesting there's an element of negligence at play.

Adding to the chorus of discontent was Inkosi Funny Mbele of Royal leaders of South Africa, who pointed to inadequate community outreach regarding the leasing plans, hinting at a broader disconnect between the officials and the citizens they serve.

This resistance from various community members underscores a profound disapproval of the council's leasing initiative and opens up a broader conversation about community involvement in managing local resources. The officials face an uphill battle as they move on to the next community engagement in Mabopane, reflecting on Mamelodi's clear message: The heart of the community beats within HM Pitje Stadium's revival, and its people ardently wish to take the reins.