East Rand United (ERU) said the repairs of the metro-owned clubhouse at its home ground at Reiger Park Sports Ground, which was recently vandalised in a protest, will commence in the next three to six months.
The building was vandalised on September 22 in a protest over the disconnection of illegal connections in Joe Slovo and Kalamazoo informal settlements.
According to ERU chairperson Marius de Vos, the costs to fix the damages will be approximately R50 000. This includes the replacement of the gate, broken windows and stolen cables, amongst other things.
“The metro got some quotes on how much the repairs are going to cost. It is covered by Sasria, and it is a standard procedure that the application for them to pay out will take about three to six months to finalise. They can begin to fix the damages once everything is finalised, and we don’t know how long it’s going take,” said de Vos.
De Vos expressed his disappointment in the way the community voiced its frustrations.
“They target the clubhouse every time they are unhappy about the disconnection of illegal connections. Vandalising a building is not a way to showcase anger. These residents know where to get hold of the mayor and metro officials to discuss their grievances. The metro should investigate the issue of illegal connections in Joe Slovo and Kalamazoo,” said de Vos.
The Advertiser previously reported the building was also attacked late in 2019 when a group of protesters reportedly entered the building and stole its contents before setting it alight.
In 2020, a group of protesters also attempted to set the clubhouse alight, but the police managed to contain the situation. At that time, others had already force opened the doors and started to help themselves to some of the contents before being stopped by the metro police who retrieved some of the items stolen from the clubhouse in the informal settlement.
Furthermore, the chairperson stressed ERU still needs a new sponsor as it faced a big blow in 2019 when it parted ways with its main sponsor, Phakisa Holdings.
De Vos appeals for businesses and other stakeholders to become involved.
“The love for rugby in the community is here, and it will be great if we can get a sponsor to help promote the club,” he added. He thanked businesses, such as Centrum Pharmacy and Paintworx and individuals including Llewellyn Wingson for donating to the club where possible.
If you can assist the club in any way, contact de Vos on 081 524 6950.
Also Read: Protesters vandalise local clubhouse again
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