WeeklySA_AdminBy Vusi Xaba
Johannesburg executive mayor Jolidee Matongo yesterday opened a multi-million-rand sports facility at Jabulani Flats, Soweto.
In his speech, Matongo encouraged residents to look after the facilities. Conspicuous by his absence at the official opening was local councillor Shimane Motlhamme who has not performed his ward duties for about year, but apparently attends the council’s quarterly meeting without fail. The centre boasts an indoor sports arena, offices, soccer grounds, swimming pool, outdoor gym, barrister and chill room, netball ground, ablution facilities. Community member Vicky Malele said she happy was with the project as it will keep children off the streets.
She said: “Our young people will able to learn and those that don’t have computers at home will have the opportunity to come here. So, for me as a parent, I think it will help improve the lives of our young people. I hope everyone will grab this opportunity and use this place because such things don’t come very often. We are blessed to have this among us, as Jabulani residents, and I believe, if we all work together, we can achieve more, we can grow, so it’s going be beneficial to all of us.
Speaking to Weekly SA Mirror on the side lines later, Matongo said he was aware of the Motlhlamme matter. He said the councillor had offered to resign after he was allegedly assaulted by criminal elements in the community, but his political principals told him to stay on board.
