Ruimsig Athletics Stadium to Regain International Standards with a Makeover

A renewed sense of hope and excitement filled the air as athletes, job seekers, and community leaders converged at Ruimsig Athletics Stadium on September 14 to learn about the City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ) plans to revamp this vital facility. Ward 97 councillor Jacques Hoon presented the ambitious refurbishment project, which aims to replace the tartan athletics track and refurbish key fixtures, returning the stadium to its former glory.

This vital initiative, overseen by the Johannesburg Social Housing Company as part of its community development mandate, comes with a price tag of R14 million and is scheduled to span four to six months, commencing in October.

The project started after a visual assessment of the stadium conducted in September and October 2022 by Ditlou Consulting and Big O Construction, the appointed company for the refurbishment. The planned improvements include addressing plumbing and electrical issues, flooring and fittings, and a comprehensive upgrade of the ablution facilities. On the security front, installing CCTV cameras and replacing the palisade fence with Clearview fencing, complete with barbed wire, are on the agenda.

With every project comes employment opportunities, and over half of the gathering consisted of residents from the Peacock Informal Settlement, which borders the stadium’s golf practice range on Hole-In-One Avenue. Applications for the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) position opened on September 15 and will close on September 21 at noon. Furthermore, a separate meeting on September 22 at the same venue will delve into the work packages available for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to tender for.

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During the question and answer session, inquiries arose about any potential unresolved matters. Super Streak Investments (SSI), a consortium that has sought to develop the stadium since 2016, presented an intriguing proposal. They offered an injection of R180 million into the precinct, aiming to transform it into an elite sports facility accommodating 33 sporting codes and providing full-time employment for over 50 staff.

A representative from SSI questioned why the CoJ would spend R14 million instead of accepting their substantial development funding. In response, Hoon explained that this project had been agreed upon via the Integrated Development Plan process and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring this reinvestment to the community.

The project will unfold in two phases, beginning with the athletics track and followed by the main structure, temporarily affecting access to certain sections. Athletes raised concerns about the timing of the project, which coincides with the peak of athletic season preparations. There were also warnings about the dire consequences of improper tartan track installation.

A forum will be established by the facility’s manager, catering to all interested and affected parties to maintain constant communication throughout the project. Additionally, participants shared concerns about the facility’s future use and preservation. Hoon highlighted that preserving the stadium would be an “ongoing project” requiring collective conscientious effort.

The availability of jobs for Peacock residents became a sticking point, with an explanation that CoJ regulations dictate that jobs must remain within the ward of the relevant project. This decision led to a brief uproar and the Peacock residents leaving the meeting before its conclusion. Now, athletes and sports enthusiasts eagerly await the prompt delivery of this revitalised athletic facility.

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Picture: Google Maps / Tamsyn Thorne

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