Mpumalanga sports centre stalled since 2012 despite R324 million spent and no construction started
via The Citizen13 min read
Political parties in Mpumalanga are demanding an investigation into the delayed multibillion-rand high-altitude training centre planned for Belfast, near Middelburg. Since 2012, the Mpumalanga department of culture, sport and recreation has spent over R324 million on the project, yet construction has not begun. While some preliminary work on water supply and other infrastructure has been completed, nothing is near completion, and work has stalled. A recent departmental report indicates that R5.2 billion is now needed to continue construction. The project, conceptualized in 2011 by former premier David Mabuza, was initially estimated to cost R3.8 billion. The African People鈥檚 Convention leader, Themba Godi, criticized the consistent delays and budget overruns in Mpumalanga's capital projects, calling for accountability and arrests of those responsible, including MECs. Bosman Grobler, a DA member of the provincial legislature, expressed concern over the escalating cost and the R324 million already spent on land purchase, feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, designs, and incomplete phases 1 and 2. He noted that R70 million was allegedly wasted due to a subcontractor supplying inferior concrete for a reservoir, leading the DA to suggest abandoning the project to prevent further financial strain on the department and the Mpumalanga government. The uMkhonto weSizwe party has also called for the immediate scrapping of the megaproject. The department has not respond
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Some members of the Democratic Alliance DA are reportedly upset about the decision to remove former DA leader John Steenhuisen from his position as agriculture minister. The discontent stems from an alleged agreement between current DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and Steenhuisen, where Steenhuisen would retain his ministerial role if he did not seek another term as party leader. Hill-Lewis has since written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, proposing Steenhuisen's replacement by Willie Aucamp as agriculture minister, with Steenhuisen moving to deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. Ramaphosa has not yet confirmed these changes. Some DA members claim they were not consulted on the reshuffle, with one source suggesting that Hill-Lewis's decision has exposed party divisions and that Steenhuisen feels "betrayed." Political analyst Prof Theo Neethling indicated that the move might be "pure DA damage control" due to Steenhuisen's handling of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which alienated many farmers. Hill-Lewis, however, stated his decision was made in the best interests of the DA and the government of national unity, prioritizing public and voter loyalty.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of party leader Jacob Zuma, stated she does not hold her father responsible for her expulsion from the MK party, instead blaming individuals surrounding the party's leadership. She made these comments at a media briefing on Sunday, following her and former national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela's expulsion from the party on Thursday. Zuma-Sambudla indicated she has not yet discussed the expulsion with her father but plans to do so next week. The party cited a series of actions, public statements, and activities by Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela as reasons for their removal. Zuma-Sambudla was accused of undermining party unity and promoting factional narratives, while Ndhlela was accused of unauthorized media briefings and misrepresenting party positions. Ndhlela claims that both his and Zuma's roles in the MK party were undermined and that he and Zuma-Sambudla will challenge their expulsions in the high court, asserting that no disciplinary hearing was held before their removal.
A Limpopo councillor, Netshivhumbe Gumani, 44, was arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a Special Investigating Unit SIU investigator with R70,000 to disregard evidence in a corruption probe. The investigation concerns allegations of maladministration and corruption related to two tenders by the Mahikeng Local Municipality. Gumani reportedly approached three SIU investigators, offering R10,000 in cash as part of the bribe during a meeting in Mahikeng. The SIU, in collaboration with the South African Police Service and the Hawks, conducted an entrapment operation leading to Gumani's arrest. He faces corruption charges and appeared in the Molopo Magistrates' Court, with his case postponed to June 29, 2026, for a bail application. The SIU stated that its investigators maintain high integrity and that attempts to corrupt them will be met with legal action.