Fezile Dabi Stadium
The angry community of Tumahole, Parys in the Free State is attempting to revive the long-ignored, multi-million Rand Fezile Dabi Stadium, which has not been operational for over a decade under the governance of the ANC-led Free State Provincial Government.
Community Leaders in Tumahole Parys Reclaim Neglected Fezile Dabi Stadium from Government Neglect
The local leaders aim to rehabilitate the stadium for use by local soccer teams, South African Football Association (SAFA), and tournament organisers. The initiative is led by neighborhood soccer coaches and community representatives who have long been advocating for the re-opening of the stadium.
Numerous soccer clubs had proposed the use of the sophisticated but decaying facility but were consistently denied access.
One such advocate, Mafa Dithuge, last played in the stadium in 2017 during a tournament to honour local legend, Master Nakedi. Despite the community’s continuous pleas to the stadium’s management, their appeal for the reinstatement of the stadium has fallen on deaf ears.
Dithuge stresses that the community’s voluntary effort to clean up the stadium stems from the fact that such infrastructure should serve the people, not just exist. Inaction, he fears, would lead to the stadium becoming a haven for criminal activities.
The surprise arrival of security personnel, who hadn’t made their presence known in years, testified to the unusual attention the community’s actions were getting. Despite this, Dithuge maintains that communities must stand up when the government fails to act.
Large tournaments, like the Edgar Legoale Tournaments which attract participants nationwide, are frequently held in the area, highlighting the tumahole’s love for soccer and underlining the need for a functional stadium.
Regrettably, vandalisation has left the stadium’s electrical systems, including underground copper cable, in shambles. This demonstrates how neglecting the use of such resources can lead to further damage and higher repair costs.
Interestingly, the provincial government had allocated R 3.3 million in 2021 for the installation of a statue honoring Fezile Dabi at the stadium, yet no notable sporting events have been held since.
The stadium, officially opened by former Premier Ace Magashule in 2013, is now seen as a “white elephant” due to its lack of use.
Social media users suggest that locals should be allowed free use of the stadium for sports and entertainment events, to prevent the venue from becoming a “white elephant”.
The leader of the DA Free State, Roy Jankielsohn, stated that as long the stadium remains unused, it risks increased vandalism, leading to costlier future repairs. Jankielsohn pointed out the previous denial of land rights on the property the stadium is built on, which has hindered its usage despite multiple requests by soccer clubs.
VIDEO: Tumahole Community Speaks