Tsabong stadium for NDP 11
Zolani Kraai | Thursday August 11, 2016 13:47
Responding to a questionnaire, permanent secretary in the ministry of youth, sport and culture (MYSC), Kago Ramokate said the construction of an integrated stadium was considered during NDP 8 (1997 to 2003) but it did not take place with other stadia planned for various villages with MYSC citing insufficient funds.
As to why the Tsabong stadium was put off, Ramokate explained that the project was not deferred but rather re-prioritised based on the feasibility to construct the facility by that period. He also said that NDP 11 planning process is underway, where previously deferred projects including Tsabong stadium are being considered against current needs and priorities.
The ministry has so far proposed to construct multipurpose or integrated facilities for sport development and performing arts for NDP 11 pending approval from cabinet and Parliament.
“These are anticipated to have reasonable sized sport fields but for Tsabong, the site for the project had not yet been identified but once approved MYSC will engage with local authorities in Tsabong for a piece of land to commence the project.
Meanwhile, Members of Parliament for Gantsi North and Kgalagadi South, Noah Salakae and Itumeleng Moipisi respectively, recently asked MYSC minister, Thapelo Olopeng as to when stadia for their respective constituencies will be built. Answering on behalf of Olopeng, assistant minister of local government, Botlhogile Tshireletso said there are currently no plans to construct stadia in Gantsi and Kgalagadi North.
On Monday in Parliament, minister of labour and home affairs, Edwin Batshu told the House that there are no plans to construct a stadium in the Gabane-Mmankgodi constituency. Batshu however, said construction of stadia across selected parts of the country will be considered only when funds are available.
MP for Gabane-Mmankgodi, Pius Mokgware had asked the minister if there are plans to construct a stadium in his constituency.