Sports development in Daveyton not a priority for the CoE
by Cllr. Raymond Dhlamini — DA Deputy Chairperson in Ekurhuleni
and Ald Dean Stone — DA Shadow MMC for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture in Ekurhuleni
Date: 02 March 2021
Release: Immediate
Type: Media Statement
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni is concerned with how the ANC and its coalition partners in the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) have chosen to fulfil their strategic goals and objectives when it comes to developments in the Metro.
In an Item presented to Council on the 25th February 2021, the ANC-led coalition government stated their intention to make the Daveyton Golf Course available for various developmental purposes.
As the DA, we believe the Daveyton Golf Course, is a capital asset that belongs to the community of Ward 96 and the many people who use the facility for recreational purposes.
Communities, especially in the townships, need public green spaces as they play a pivotal role in maintaining sustainable communities and social cohesion while offering uplift. These spaces do not always provide direct financial benefits to the City, however, they contribute immensely to the well-being of society and the environment.
The Ward 96 community does not have many recreational and sports facilities and open spaces. It is, therefore, unfortunate that the CoE is considering selling one of the very few green spaces in this community.
Sadly, the truth is, the ANC and its band of coalition partners have failed to adequately maintain this once-thriving venue. Now, the grass grows long and vandalism has become the norm. Instead of selling off crucial pieces of land, the City must place maintenance high on its agenda. By ensuring maintained facilities the City will be able to attract investors and sporting events.
The ANC Mayor Mzwandile Masina’s promised in the 2020 State of the City Address to promote a culture of sport in Ekurhuleni communities and to reclaim the City’s position as a sporting mecca of the Gauteng Province. This empty promise highlights another example of his dismal failure to lead and usher in meaningful change in Ekurhuleni,
The DA, therefore, recommended that the Department of Sport and Recreation, Arts and Culture (SRAC) first interrogate this matter, before the ANC-led City embarks on its intentions to use the Daveyton Golf Course for development. The importance of sports and recreation areas cannot be forgotten, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many communities want to enjoy green open spaces.
Cllr. Raymond Dhlamini
DA Deputy Chairperson in Ekurhuleni
