Waterval Stadium project drags on despite millions spent

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29-09-2025
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Limpopo Mirror
Source

When construction of the Waterval Stadium began in 2017, residents were promised jobs, opportunities for local sports, and a facility that would bring pride to the community. Eight years and at least R28 million later, the stadium remains unfinished.

What was once billed as a symbol of progress now stands as a rusting shell with an incomplete pitch. Grass was planted last year but never fully established, and local athletes continue to train on dusty, unsafe grounds.

The project was meant to transform a local field into a stadium capable of hosting tournaments. But contractors have changed multiple times, deadlines have been missed, and the Makhado Municipality has yet to offer residents a clear explanation.

Local footballer Victor Chabalala of 7 Stars says the delays are affecting young players. “It’s tough to train on a dusty field. Our boots and balls wear out fast, and there’s no security. When we play away on proper fields, it’s a big adjustment. We’d be very happy if the stadium was finally finished.”

On 16 September, the EFF Makhado Subregion led a march to the municipal offices in Waterval to hand over a memorandum of demands. Residents called for answers on the fate of the stadium, when it will be completed, and when the public will finally be able to use it. The memorandum warned that the community might take matters into their own hands if nothing was done.

The project has been funded mainly through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), with top-ups from the municipality. By 2021/22, R12.54 million had already been spent. Phase three was allocated R28.4 million, plus an additional R2 million. It remains unclear whether this total covers the whole project or only the last phase.

Members of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), including Rhulani Machumele, have accused officials of wasting money. “They planted grass last year but never finished the pitch. This project has dragged on for years. We don’t know who is to blame, but it feels like public money is being wasted,” he said.

Work has stalled repeatedly. Contractors blame each other for delays, while the municipality faces accusations of late payments. Completion dates have come and gone. The current contractor, Mvuno Geo-environmental Civil and Construction, says the pitch and track are still unfinished as they are waiting for imported materials. “We expect to finish by the end of October, depending on when the materials arrive,” the site manager said.

In May 2024, then municipal spokesperson Louis Bobodi promised the stadium would be ready by June. That deadline passed without progress. On 22 August this year, new spokesperson Mpho Rathando was asked for details on costs, delays, and outstanding work. Despite repeated follow-ups, the only response so far has been: “The municipality will comment once the project is completed.”