Kariega’s and Despatch’s municipal sports facilities have seen a decline in their maintenance, safety and functionality.
The facilities, once a sanctuary for sports enthusiasts, now cause frustration for local athletes. Residents claim they have to drive to Gqeberha just to play sports on public facilities.
Adegbile Adekunle, a local sports coach, shared, “The severe lack of proper sports facilities in Kariega directly contributes to rising crime rates in our community. This represents a missed opportunity to provide positive outlets for our youth and steer them away from criminal activities.”
He added, “The few sports facilities that exist are in complete neglect. This has created a devastating cycle: young people actively engaged in sports have become discouraged by poor conditions and have returned to the streets.”
Adekunle, who is invested in helping his community’s children and youth, shared his heartbreak about the situation.
“We want to make a difference, but the lack of proper facilities severely limits our ability to create meaningful programmes. However, we continue training sessions in these damaged facilities, even though many abandoned spaces have become gathering places for individuals involved in criminal activities.”
Another community sports coach, Jamaine Accom, shared, “I have reached out to multiple local representatives seeking support for sports facility improvements. My passion stems from my upbringing immersed in sports. Even during my youth, gangsterism existed in our communities. However, because sports played such a prominent role, we had no interest in those destructive activities.”
To see the upgrading of our sport fields, maybe creating a sports forum responsible for different areas, ensuring these fields get maintained, sport activities are scheduled, and players are selected for provincial exposure.
In July, UD Express published an article about raw sewage threatening the life of Kariega’s remaining tennis court.
The club had raw sewage flowing on to its newly painted courts.
Charles Crause, manager of the Drostdy Tennis Court, said, “It has stopped for now, but they’ll have to address the pipes. With the number of people living in the flats next door, the sewage volume and debris they flush down is too much for the pipes to handle. If this continues, we’ll have to close our doors.”
Councillors’ views
Ward 48 councillor, Franay van der Linde, shared, “The Jubilee Park Sports Field is in a severely dilapidated state, with overgrown vegetation and significant deterioration. The field is no longer suitable for sporting activities.”
She added there is substantial outcry from community and schools for upgrades.
School principals have expressed urgent need for these facilities, as their schools lack adequate sports infrastructure. This negatively affects learners’ athletic development.
Van der Linde said this need was raised during last year’s IDP meeting.
“While we welcome the budget allocation for Thembani Sports Field for 2026/27, the urgent plea is for budget allocation for Jubilee Park Sports Field as well. The Jubilee Park location offers greater convenience and accessibility.”
Ward 51 councillor, Roelf Basson, shared, “The municipality has minimal direct involvement in facility management, as most properties operate under lease agreements. The Indoor Sports Centre’s main hall is excellently maintained and extensively utilised. However, squash courts and ablution facilities suffer from poor upkeep.”
He added that Drostdy Tennis Club faces recurring challenges with sewer blockages caused by vandalism. “A significant concern affecting all outdoor facilities is the unavailability of treated grey water for irrigation. Strelitzia Dam hasn’t received water from Kelvin Jones sewerage works for several years, forcing facilities to pay premium rates for municipal water or deteriorate.”
Ward 52 councillor, Frans Swanepoel, shared, “We face serious issues regarding Despatch sports grounds’ condition. The pavilion is in a terrible state — bathrooms are completely unusable. The field is neglected, and the long jump pit is in poor condition.”
He added that many schools host athletics events there and are concerned about losing support owing to current conditions.
The perimeter wall is collapsing with no maintenance. The swimming pool is also in shocking condition. It was once Olympic standard, but no maintenance is being done.
Municipal spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya, said, “The Municipality acknowledges that ageing infrastructure, vandalism, limited security, budget constraints, and climate-related challenges negatively affect sports facilities. Our approach is guided by our IDP and service delivery objectives.”
Soyaya added that maintenance and structural assessments have been conducted at several facilities, including Jabavu Stadium, where refurbishment is allegedly underway.
“Central Sports Field refurbishment has been completed, and major maintenance undertaken at Ernest Swanepoel Indoor Centre and Rosedale Pool.”
To curb vandalism, the Safety and Security Directorate has finalised a tender for alarm systems installation. “EPWP patrollers have been deployed to safeguard facilities, though this remains subject to available funding.”
He added that the Drostdy Tennis Club is a leased property. “The club is responsible for facility maintenance, though the Municipality provides assistance where possible.”
Soyaya shared that sports infrastructure maintenance is funded under the Sport and Recreation Sub-Directorate.
The current capital budget includes R38.5 million across various wards, including major upgrades to Jabavu Stadium and several sports fields in Gqeberha.
He added, “Community ownership is key to protecting public assets. Facility Management Committees bridge the gap between Municipality, federations, and residents. We’re pursuing Joint Management Agreements with the National Sport Ministry for rehabilitation projects.”
The municipality believes that visible improvements will continue through the Adjustment Budget process up to February 2026.
“A Revitalisation and Infrastructure Development Plan is being developed for the next MTREF cycle (2026/27 – 2028/29) to ensure sustained investment,” he concluded.
Proactive maintenance approach by NMBM:
• Annual maintenance plans focused on preventive and predictive interventions
• Daily maintenance activities, including cleaning, waste management, and safety checks
• Daily checklist system to document facility conditions and track maintenance issues
Facilities needing urgent attention, according to NMBM:
• Jabavu Stadium, KwaNobuhle
• Tembani Sports Field, KwaLanga
• Jubilee Sports Fields, Kariega
• KwaNobuhle Sport Complex
• Derrick Ferreira Stadium, Rosedale
• Kariega Swimming Pool
• The Pavilion/Swimming Pool, Despatch
Did you know?
Municipal sports grounds in Kariega and Despatch:
• Indoor Sports Centre and High Street Swimming Pool Complex
• Golf Course – Municipal property leased to Uitenhage Golf Club (club-maintained)
• Drostdy Tennis Club, Magennis Park – leased to club (club-maintained)
• Jacaranda Tennis Courts, Willow Dam – Abandoned
• Uitenhage Bowls Club – leased to club (club-maintained)
• Daleview Cricket Club – Municipal owned
• Thembani/Jubilee Stadiums – Abandoned
Municipal short and long-term plans:
• Upskilling staff in plumbing and welding for quicker responses
• Preventive maintenance through regular inspections
• Dedicated quick-response maintenance teams through EPWP
• Targeted budget allocations for rehabilitation projects
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