The R10 multi-million state of the art multipurpose sporting centres, will be built, enhanced and revamped over the next 5 years, as a result of the concept.
Speaking at the launch MEC Molebatsi Bopape said when pronouncing on the project in 2014: “We acknowledge that there are shortages of sporting facilities for our people.
Operation Mabaleng will address these shortcomings. The project will reach out to as many inactive and deprived townships; informal settlements and rural areas through sport activities such as Football, Netball, Cricket and other sporting codes”.
The Westbury has an existing facility which hosts local soccer games including the annual Steven Pienaar games which is however in dire need of revamping and modernisation.
Other areas that stand to have facilities modelled as part of the Mabaleng project include Tembisa, Alexandra, Mamelodi, Bekkersdaal, Eldorado Park and Diepkloof.
The basic features of the model are soccer pitch (and 5-a-side mini pitches); mini rugby; cricket; netball, basketball; gymnasium; mini cricket; public viewing and indoor games area. Community interests and priorities will be taken into consideration for each community. Other codes will include athletics and cycling.
Once completed the facilities will be handed over to municipalities to run and manage, however both the department and the municipalities will facilitate and coordinate programmes offered on site.
“Mabaleng will change how sport is played by locals and how communities engage in recreational activities that even at night people will have a chance to participate in physical activities which should then begin to address the thinking that nights are only for drinking and partying”, added MEC Bopape.
The launch took place at Soweto, Pimville-Nike Stadium.
