Bloemfontein is losing millions because the Mangaung Metro is dragging its feet in finalising an agreement with the Free State Rugby Union (FSRU) for using the Free State Stadium. In addition, the city is being robbed of the opportunity to host test matches.
Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi was supposed to report on the progress with the agreement to the Free State Legislature yesterday (Tuesday) but was clearly unprepared and unable to provide feedback.
An agreement should already have been tabled to the Mangaung Metro Council for approval, but it has simply not happened.
The Freedom Front Plus will approach the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, to intervene and expedite the Metro’s agreement.
Upgrading the Free State Stadium to host test matches depends on this new agreement between the Metro and the Union after the previous one expired. Consensus has also not been reached on the Union’s outstanding municipal debt.
Earlier this year, the Free State Stadium was downgraded to a Category C venue and is consequently no longer considered for test matches. Hosting international test rugby matches is a major economic injection for Bloemfontein and not being able to do so deals the city a severe financial blow.
Nthatisi and his administration’s laxity is a slap in the face of the province’s rugby supporters who are denied the chance to attend international matches.
This incompetence is indicative of a metro that has collapsed under ANC mismanagement – not even a section-139 intervention can turn things around.
The Freedom Front Plus demands that the Metro do everything in its power to get the Stadium ready for hosting international rugby again.
