The recent announcement by the Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM) to host the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) tournament has sparked widespread criticism from residents. Residents have slammed the municipality for its willingness to spend, according to the DA, R6 million on a sports tournament while basic services remain a crisis.
The announcement sparked outrage on social media, with many questioning the city’s priorities amid poor road conditions, water shortages, and ongoing power cuts.
In light of this, Bloemfontein Courant spoke with the MMM spokesperson, Qondile Khedema, who unpacked the significance of this tournament and how it will drive the city’s economy.
“We have defined ourselves as a sporting mecca. We don’t have other jewels like oceans that the coastal metros enjoy, and therefore, sport becomes an integral part of our city. We are hosting Cosafa because we feel that sports revives the city, economically, socially and healthwise. The tournament will boost the city’s GDP and contribute significantly towards tourism and logistics, so we are proud to host this tournament.”
In response to the concerns raised by residents, Khedama emphasised that service delivery remains an ongoing priority for the municipality. He acknowledged the public’s frustrations but reassured the residents that hosting the Cosafa tournament does not mean that essential services are being overlooked.
He explained that the municipality is actively working on addressing service delivery challenges, while also seeking opportunities – like the tournament – to boost economic growth and promote the city on a broader scale.
“Service delivery remains of utmost importance to the municipality, but while focusing on it, you cannot prevent people from enjoying sports. Yes, we have challenges, but we are addressing them, [they range] from sewerage, electricity, to roads. There has been work done in some parts. There’s a lack of funds and resources, but we are trying our level best to deliver,” he mentioned.
The objectives of using sport as an economic booster:
- To promote sports as a tool for economic development and job creation
- To foster social cohesion through inclusive and accessible sporting activities
- To position Mangaung as a regional hub for sports tourism and events
- To develop youth talent and improve health and well-being across communities
Economic impact of sports in Mangaung:
- Job creation: Sports facilities, events, and academies can create direct and indirect employment opportunities (e.g., coaching, logistics, hospitality, security, and media).
- Local business growth: Sporting events attract visitors, increasing demand for local businesses such as restaurants, transport services, accommodation, and retail.
- Infrastructure development: Investment in sports infrastructure (stadiums, fields, community centres, fan parks) drives urban development and can be aligned with broader economic regeneration goals.
- Sports tourism: Hosting local, regional, and international sporting events can generate significant revenue and enhance Mangaung’s profile.
Here is what some community members had to say on MMM’s announcement on Facebook:
Mthethwa Alkebulan Sankofa: “Fix the potholes.”
Rose Finger: “We need water and electricity, these are the things we expect you to talk about, not football.”
PI Isly Waha Makhanya: “How much are you investing in this tournament and why are you funding it while services are deteriorating.”
Motsho Ngwana: “Potholes, garbage removal, sewage oozing the streets, faulty robots… and ooh I forgot potholes – everything.”
Bra Finest Moroane: “Please fix roads.”
Osego Ofentse: “Useless.”
Justine Fortuin and Clement Matroos
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