The newly appointed Sports, Art and Culture MEC in North West Collen Maine wants to revive the glory days of the province and has major plans to lift its sporting and cultural profile.
Among the plans is to refurbish the Mmabana, Arts, Culture, and Sport Foundation head office. “This is a very strategic state asset given its historic impact in the creative sector. We will at an appropriate time make necessary announcements and invite the media to communicate our progress with respect to the revival of Mmabana,” the MEC said.
In the wake of the upgrading of the fifth largest sports facilities in South Africa, the Mahikeng Stadium, Maine said the department felt the need to revive the iconic stadium which had note been utilised for a couple of years, precluding it from playing host to national and international events.
“It is therefore necessary for the stadium to be upgraded and renovated so that it is restored to its former glory of providing a prestigious venue for national events such as PSL games and contributes to cultural and artistic life of the city of North West.
“Refurbishing the Mahikeng stadium to its former glory has the potential of encouraging people and young people in particular to actively utilise the stadium to participate in different spotting codes as way of keeping themselves healthy and at the same time keeping young people occupied with sports and recreational activities.”
Mahikeng Stadium was left in ruins for years. It is one of the world’s most distinctive stadiums. The 40-year-old facility was reportedly designed in the USSR and built by an Israeli contractor.
Mahikeng has been known as one of the towns which had state of the art amenities such as, tennis courts, multi-purpose stadiums and cricket pitches which were used by different teams.
On the question of whether the department planned to revitalise Radio BOP or the current radio station, Maine said the department would be assessing needs and capacity, before making any decisions.
Maine said he planned to restore the province to its glory days with plans for major projects. “As part of ensuring access to services, and improving infrastructure, the department will construct libraries in, Matlosana, Bodibe Coverdale/Boitumelong, and Ganyesa library.
“However, the department will not only focus on constructing of libraries but will also construct multipurpose courts in Rustenburg, and Greater Taung as part of the programme of improving access to sport infrastructure,” he said.
The Star