Project details indicate that construction began on 30 January 2018, with completion initially expected by 29 June 2021. Yet years later, the facility remains incomplete, depriving residents, particularly young people, of the sporting infrastructure they were promised.
The municipality’s own 2023/24 Annual Performance Report recorded Phase 2 at only 38% construction progress and attributed the failure to meet its target to the termination of the contractor for underperformance. Its 2025/26 Mid-Year Performance Report subsequently recorded no further progress, citing the terminated contract and the need to appoint a new contractor.
These official records raise serious questions about project planning, contract management, expenditure and oversight.
ActionSA believes that communities deserve more than construction projects that remain unfinished for years. Sporting facilities can provide young people with opportunities to develop their talents, participate in organised sport and engage in constructive community activities.
The Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, under Executive Mayor Lydia Matlanatso Moroane, must provide residents with clear answers on the following:
- Project expenditure: How much has been spent on Phases 1 and 2, and what work has been delivered against the money allocated?
- Additional funding: What is the basis for the reported additional R92 million, and what specific work is this funding intended to cover?
- Contractor accountability: What steps were taken following the termination of the previous contractor?
- Completion plan: When will a new contractor be appointed, and what is the realistic, publicly communicated deadline for completing the facility?
Residents deserve transparency on every rand spent and a facility that fulfils its intended purpose.
ActionSA calls on the municipality to publish a detailed project progress report, account for expenditure and provide a firm, time-bound plan to complete the Acornhoek Sports Facility.
The people of Acornhoek deserve answers, accountability and infrastructure that serves their community.
ActionSA Athol Trollip (National Chairperson) Eastern Cape Heavyweight: A former Federal Chairperson of the DA and the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay (2016–2018). The Switch: Joined ActionSA in early 2022, bringing significant administrative experience and a strong support base in the Eastern Cape, specifically Gqeberha. The Role: He oversees the party’s national structures and is the key strategist for rural and metropolitan expansion.