/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The DA has achieved a victory in its fight for good governance after the Hawks confirmed that they are investigating allegations of irregularities in the spending of millions of rands on a decrepit sports facility in the Walter Sisulu municipality.

On 11 October 2022 I wrote to the Hawks to request an investigation after the DA conducted an oversight inspection at the Danie Craven sports facility in Burgersdorp. We found the facility in a state of ruin, in spite of the municipality already having spent R15,5 million on refurbishments and upgrades.

The eight-month project started in 2017 and was funded to the tune of R12 million through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).

The scope of work included the painting of the pavilion and stalls, upgrading and fixing ablution facilities, fixing and prepping the athletics track for a tartan conversion and securing and fencing the facility.

Very little progress was made, and in 2019 another R3,5 million was awarded to finish the project.

In spite of the R15,5 million already spent, the municipality recently made another R1,8 million available for this doomed project.

During the oversight inspection we found:

• The tar laid in preparation for a tartan athletics track is cracked and breaking apart.
• The pavilion has major cracks due to water leaks, but maintenance has not been done in years.
• The newly refurbished ablution facilities have been vandalised and almost destroyed.
• Newly fenced sections and the main gate have been stolen.

The Hawks confirmed that they traveled to Burgersdorp on 25 October 2022 and conducted an oversight inspection at the site.

They will now inspect documents relating to the contract for the upgrades and refurbishments and will also be interviewing individuals directly involved with the project.

We urge the Hawks to investigate with all speed. If irregularities and corrupt activities in the spending of the public’s purse are found, those responsible must face the full might of the law.

The DA will not allow the uncaring ANC to bring more suffering to our people and will fight to ensure that residents receive the services and facilities that they deserve.

Issued by Marina van Zyl, MP - New Horizon Constituency Leader