Q AND A WITH CITY OF TSHWANE REVEALS HM PITJE STADIUM MAY NOT BE REBUILT IN THIS LIFETIME

HM Pitje Stadium in Mamelodi west Tshwane look like a bush

The HM Pitje Stadium in Mamelodi was demolished in February 2023 after shoddy workmanship there.

It was discovered that the way the stadium had been built was not up to FIFA standards as well as local PSL standards.

Up to now no one has been prosecuted for the demise of HM Pitje Stadium and this week the City of Tshwane said the Gauteng Provincial Government is the one that must take action if any against people who were originally contracted to build the stadium.

The ill-fated stadium has cost the Gauteng Provincial Government R140 million to build but has now turned into a huge dumping place which is used by residents to throw their rubbish while thugs use it to mug residents who use it as a thoroughfare (double-up) in township parlance.

1. Has the City of Tshwane Municipality issued a tender for the rebuilding of HM Pitje Stadium in Mamelodi?

A. The City has adopted a commercialisation model whereby investors and developers may undertake a commercial venture while retaining a sporting component within the development, similar to the Loftus Park development.

The City previously invited tenders, however, no suitable bidder was identified.

It is therefore likely that the tender will be re-advertised.

2. If not, what is causing the delay?

A.There is no delay.

3. Has the City of Tshwane itself opened a case with the South African Police Service against any company or individuals regarding the alleged poor workmanship and irregularities that led to the collapse of the HM Pitje Stadium project?

A. HM Pitje Stadium was identified as one of the training venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The Gauteng Provincial Government undertook the project to rebuild the stadium for that purpose. Any questions relating to that rebuilding project should therefore be directed to the Gauteng Provincial Government.

4. Is it true that businessman Patrice Motsepe expressed an interest in rebuilding the stadium, but that the City of Tshwane Municipality rejected his proposal?

A. This is not true.

Whenever there is media coverage of the stadium, claims regarding Mr Motsepe’s alleged interest are often repeated. However, the City has never received any formal communication from Mr Motsepe or any of his representatives expressing an intention to rebuild the stadium.

In fact, during its public consultation process, the City engaged with the football club as a key stakeholder regarding its proposal to invite investors to repurpose the site, including the rebuilding of the stadium.

However, the club did not formally respond to the proposed bidding process.