Metsimaholo’s Deneysville Sports Ground Project
By Thabo Mosia
The Deneysville Sports Ground in Refengkgotso, intended to serve as a hub for community development, has become a focal point of controversy amid allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the Metsimaholo Local Municipality. Despite a substantial allocation of R14,063,990 through the 2014/2015 Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) for its upgrade, the facility remains in a state of disrepair and largely unused.
Community Concerns and Municipal Silence
DA Councillor Thulani Mbana has confirmed that the sports ground is still in poor condition, describing it as “a white elephant fading away,” reflecting the community’s growing frustration. Efforts to obtain official comments from the municipality have been met with limited response. Municipal Manager Basi Motloung ignored our inquiry and spokesperson Dr. Gino Alberts acknowledged receipt of inquiries but have yet to provide substantive answers. Alberts stated, “Good day ….I have forward to relevant department for responses…awaits their response and will revert back to you…thanks,” but no further communication has been received.
Democratic Alliance’s Call for Accountability
Dr. Igor Scheurkogel, Member of Parliament and Democratic Alliance (DA) representative for Metsimaholo, has expressed serious concerns regarding the misuse of public funds and neglect of community infrastructure. An oversight visit conducted on 26 August 2024 by Councillor Jeff Zwane revealed that the sports ground does not reflect the R7 million reportedly spent on its upgrade. The facility features only two multi-purpose courts and a few containers revamped to serve as bathrooms and shower facilities, which are unconnected to water infrastructure and have been vandalised. The DA’s official statement describes the sports ground as a “white elephant fading away,” highlighting the municipality’s failure to utilise the allocated funds effectively.
Proposal for Additional Funding Raises Eyebrows
Alarmingly, according to the DA, the municipality is now proposing to allocate an additional R10 million to the sports ground. This proposal has raised serious questions about the municipality’s ability to exercise proper oversight and ensure that funds allocated for community upliftment are used effectively. The DA has indicated plans to write to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the Minister of Finance, calling for a thorough investigation into the upgrade of the Deneysville Sports Ground. They demand accountability for the funds spent and insist that steps be taken to ensure that the residents of Refengkgotso receive the infrastructure and services they were promised.
Historical Context of Mismanagement
This incident is not isolated. The Metsimaholo Municipality has a history of administrative challenges and allegations of corruption. In 2022, reports indicated that the Hawks were investigating at least 44 cases of corruption and fraud involving 16 municipalities in the Free State, including Metsimaholo. One such case involved a company awarded an R24 million contract to build a sports complex in Oranjeville by Metsimaholo Local Municipality. Due to community protests and demands for subcontracting, the project was disrupted, resulting in R22 million spent with no sports complex completed.
In another instance, a forensic report implicated municipal officials in a controversial security tender. The report found that a service provider inflated prices immediately after being appointed, leading to overpayments by the municipality. The report recommended disciplinary action against the officials involved and suggested that the municipality approach the High Court to review and set aside the irregular tender.
Furthermore, in November 2024, former Metsimaholo Mayor and current Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Corporate Services, Selloane Motjeane, was allegedly found guilty of corruption. An ad hoc committee determined that Motjeane failed to declare her business interests with the municipality, resulting in a conflict of interest. The committee recommended a sanction of a one-month salary fine.
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