Private ambitions move with greater haste than municipal bureaucracy
An investment company believing in the limitless potential of the Ruimsig Athletics Stadium is demanding to know why their proposal is stuck in limbo. Through their legal representatives, Super Streak Investments (SSI) have requested answers from the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and Johannesburg Property Company(JPC) as to why their multi-million rand development project is being sidelined.
Since 2016, SSI have responded to two separate tenders issued by JPC and in the interim have had numerous interactions with the municipal entities. By the end of 2019 the project looked close to getting the green light but the global health panic prevented the completion of formalities. Eager to break ground, SSI have been in constant contact with municipal officials and are accusing those in control of a lack of political will.
The SSI Directors have a history in running sport facilities and through agreed partnerships with various clubs, aim to expand the precinct into a development mecca unmatched in the southern Africa. The multi-million rand development would accommodate 33 sporting codes, internationally accredited cycle tracks, an educational facility, commercial space for sport related practitioners and a 2500 square meter gym to be built on the large grass area at the top of the Handicap Road entrance.
The model proposed by the SSI tenders would ensure that every component of the facility is geared toward talent development. Each of the separately managed sporting codes would come with the relevant kit and equipment which would always stay on site. This way, those coming from disadvantaged communities would always have the necessary tools at their fingertips, ensuring ease of access and the avoidance of loss of equipment and talent.
SSI’s research shows the stadium costs the City R16m per year to operate and the premises are regularly effected by theft, vandalism and damage to public infrastructure. As well as improved security for surrounding homes, the area would benefit from year-round daily usage and the accompanying job creation. Development of the individual is at the heart of the proposals as provisions are made for those simply wish to be involved in sport, catering for coaches, referees and officials.
While SSI and their partnering clubs would be private entities, they are adamant that the stadium would remain a public facility. Every international and community event hosted at the stadium is subject to a rental fee and part of SSI’s tender was a commitment to keeping those fees at the exact rate stipulated by JPC. The first of the two tenders in question was centered around social economic benefits and second on environmental impact, with SSI feeling the ticked all the relevant boxes.
MMC for Economic Development, Nkululeko Mbundu, met with SSI at the stadium in February this year and this publication’s latest attempt at feedback on the process was sent via email to the MMC on Thursday November 24. JPC officials were also sent a request for information on November 28 but no response has been forthcoming. Further delays in receiving answers would risk damage to SSI’s proposals but harden their resolve to explore the intricate details of the correspondence between all parties.
