SMITHFIELD – It is imperative that all infrastructure, materials, and equipment at the incomplete R56,7 million Smithfield Indoor Sport Centre are properly secured following the termination of the appointed contractor.
This concern was raised and escalated to the Free State MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation following the Democratic Alliance’s sustained oversight visit.
The DA has called for accountability after repeated delays and poor progress on the project, which stood at just 1,5% completion upon termination, despite an initial completion date of May 2025.
Contractor agreement terminated
The MEC has confirmed that the contractor’s agreement has been terminated due to slow performance and non-delivery. At termination, R7.6 million had been paid to the contractor.
“We are deeply concerned that without proper site management and protection measures, valuable infrastructure and materials risk vandalism or theft, which would result in further loss of public funds and delay the project’s eventual completion,” said Werner Pretorius, DA spokesperson on Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation in the Free State.
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Feasibility study concerns
Pretorius said they remain concerned about the lack of a comprehensive feasibility study on the project by the department.
“Large infrastructure projects worth multi-millions of rand must be backed by concrete feasibility studies and transparent public participation. We will continue with oversight of the Smithfield project to ensure accountability and transparency in the appointment of a new contractor. We will call for comprehensive progress reports to the Legislature.”
Winburg facilities petition launched
Elsewhere in the Free State, Councillor Brunhilde Roussouw of Masilonyana Municipality has launched a petition for improved sport and recreational facilities in Winburg and Makeleketla.
She said the petition is based on the alarming neglect of sport and recreational facilities in both areas.
“We are calling on Masilonyana Municipality to urgently fulfil its responsibility to the community,” Roussouw stated.
Youth at risk from facility decay
Roussouw said the well-being of youth is under threat as drug and substance abuse continues to rise.
“Our young people need safe, active, and constructive outlets for their energy. Sports facilities play a critical role in preventing crime, substance abuse, and idleness, but these facilities have been left to deteriorate completely.”
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The once-proud Winburg sports grounds stand vandalised and abandoned, the swimming pool has become a haven for drug dealers, and the netball fields are overgrown and unusable.
In Makeleketla, the R8 million sports grounds remain incomplete and unused, the self-established soccer fields are drenched in sewage, and the golf course has been converted into grazing land for cattle.
Municipal responsibility demanded
“This decay has left the community without safe spaces for sport, pushing youth towards crime, unemployment, and substance abuse. Our municipality must take responsibility and act now. The future of our youth is at stake,” Roussouw said.
The petition emphasises the urgent need for restoration of these facilities and will continue to remind the municipality of its duty towards youth.
“Sport is not a privilege but a right that contributes to healthier, safer, and more vibrant communities,” she concluded.
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