03-07-2025
City invests R2. 7 million in Bellville United Soccer Club amid security concerns
Vandalism hampers Bellville United Soccer Club.
Image: Supplied
Two weeks after management of the Bellville United Soccer Club approached the media following a spate of vandalism and theft, the City said it has invested more than R2.7 million into the sports facility and others in the community.
Earlier, club management said they pleaded for more than 10 years for flood lights for the facility and for repairs to be done to damaged infrastructure caused by criminals.
They also called for improved security measures at the club situated at the sportsground in Peter Barlow Street.
Following their complaint, the facility has seen additional break-in which left their electrical infrastructure damaged.
The City's Recreation and Parks Department said they were aware of the spate of burglaries.
'These incidents prompt the department to involve the City's Environmental Health Department to assess the facility's safety and ensure compliance with health standards.
'Following this latest incident, the City deployed internal maintenance teams to stabilise the facility, delivered 10 ceiling boards and plumbing materials to the soccer clubhouse to assist with repair work, bricked up an access window and requested additional safety assessments.
"Routine maintenance support continues to be provided within the limits of available resources'
As an interim measure, the City installed practice lights on the soccer fields at a cost of R235 000, enabling shared access to evening matches, and pumped over R2 million into infrastructure of the various sports facilities.
'During the 2024/25 financial year, the City undertook repairs totaling R1.27 million across the darts, pigeon and rugby clubhouses. At the time of planning these repairs, the soccer clubhouse was assessed to be in relatively acceptable condition, based on previous electrical, plumbing and general building upgrades that had already been completed.
'However, subsequent incidents of vandalism and theft, particularly in May 2025, have since caused further damage.
'While two 24-hour security officers are currently deployed on-site, additional security resource requests have been submitted based on facility size and risk assessments. These are reviewed annually as part of the City's planning and budget allocation processes.
'As with all community facilities, routine maintenance and upgrade requests are considered each year. For the 2024/25 financial year, a total of R2.75 million in repairs and maintenance requests were submitted for the Bellville South Sport Grounds, including items relating to the soccer clubhouse.'
