Location of Makwala Stadium divides Tutume
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday August 7, 2020 12:25
Organiser, Christopher Nyanga said as festive tournament organisers, they had written to Tutume authorities over the matter.
“The letter has not been delivered to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSC),” he said.
“It has only been delivered to authorities in Tutume who have influence in ensuring that the issue is expeditiously resolved, being the Council, District Commissioner’s office, Member of Parliament’s office and Tutume Kgosi. Remember, the issue is about resolution of where in Tutume should the facility be built.”
Nyanga added they could only go to MYSC if the issue of location was finalised and funds are availed. He added that for now their focus is looking for a solution at home.
Nyanga admitted that there are divisions amongst villagers about the location. In the letter, he requests that villagers should focus on the bigger picture and bury the hatchet for the sake of development.
Regarding the naming of the stadium, Nyanga said they heard of reports of divisions, but dismissed them as false.
“Our position is that such is even more disturbing. We believe that it is not an issue of debate. A decision was taken that the facility be named after Isaac Makwala as an honour to him and the people of Tutume who raised him. That should continue like that,” he said.
Nyanga said he is aware that some people might say Makwala is not the only one from Tutume who has hoisted the village’s name high.
“That is true, but now it is Makwala whom the government has chosen to recognise through this stadium. We should accept that and then initiate the recognition of other deserving Tutume legends later. Our view is that we should not distract a noble initiative like this through internal issues that cannot take our village anywhere,” Nyanga said.
He said although the government has prioritised the stadium for the next financial year, it might be deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, MYSC assistant minister, Billy Buti recently told Parliament that the funds that were to be used to build the Makwala Stadium were transferred to a similar project in Chobe. He said the Makwala Stadium will be given priority in the next financial year.