KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Mrs Bongi Sithole-Moloi, on Saturday (21/10/17) officially handed over the newly built Mavumengwane Sportsfield complete with grand stands and floodlights at the Mbongolwane area in Eshowe north of the province.
The construction of the multi-million-rand facility was funded by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation and supported by the Umlalazi Local Municipality and the local tribal authority which donated the land.
The state of the art facility cost R8.6 million to build and created employment and skills transfer to local residents. The field comprise of the main soccer fields compete with fixed spectator grand stands, a separate practice field; and a combination court that accommodate different sport codes such as netball, volleyball and basketball, also with its own grand stand. Athletics can also be accommodated. The facility also boasts change rooms with ablution blocks and a borehole for water supply.
The building of the sports complex is part of the Department’s programme to provide sport and recreation facilities in rural areas in order to level the playing field and give opportunities for rural youth to develop their talent. This sporting facility will also promote and encourage active and healthy lifestyles among local residents.
MEC Sithole Moloi said, “We are saying to the community of Mbongolwane here is a facility that will assist you to unearth and start to develop your talents in all codes, especially those that we have provided for here. Beyond that, we are promoting healthy lifestyle. This is where people will be active and come and play and exercise so that they have healthy bodies and healthy minds.”
She added; “We are developing facilities in the rural areas that are of the same standard as in the urban areas.”
