An incomplete sports stadium at Tshivhuyuni stands as yet another example of a failed capital infrastructure project, having cost taxpayers millions. The Makhado Municipality, which has since terminated the contract, appears unable to recover the wasted funds. The project has also caused considerable hardship, especially for the family whose house was bulldozed to make way for the stadium.
Construction of the Tshivhuyuni Sports Facility, located in Tshivhuyuni village about 35km southeast of Louis Trichardt, began in August 2023. The total project budget, including engineers' fees, was R21 million, with R8.5 million coming from a municipal infrastructure grant (MIG). The remainder was to be funded from the municipality's own coffers.
The R17 million construction contract was awarded to Gombameni Risk and Event Management. However, progress soon stalled. What was meant to be a six-month project turned into a drawn-out ordeal, marred by complaints of shoddy workmanship and non-payment of workers.
A half-built stadium, with millions down the drain
According to Makhado Municipality's 2024 draft annual report, only 52% of the project had been completed by the end of June 2024. In September last year, the guestimate was that 58% of the project had been completed.
In January this year, the municipality terminated the contract, reportedly after the contractor abandoned the site and failed to meet project requirements. Municipal spokesperson Mpho Rathando said the municipality had recovered R250,000 in penalties from the contractor. He added that R10.7 million had already been paid to the company.
When Limpopo Mirror visited the site on 24 February, only a security guard was present. The concrete palisade fence was collapsing, and the stadium grounds were waterlogged. It was clear that all construction activity had stopped.
A subcontractor, who asked not to be named, said he and four others were still owed money by Gombameni Risk and Event Management, with outstanding payments dating back to December 2023.
He said that when they approached Thomas Muluvhu, managing director of the company, Muluvhu claimed the municipality had not paid him. Rathando, however, insisted that all required payments had been made.
"It hurts because I was expecting that payment to pay my workers. I had to use my own money, and now it's been nine months without being paid. One worker even took me to the CCMA last year. We've suffered enough because of this project," the subcontractor said.
Another subcontractor said the main contractor owed him about R92,000. "Some of us have been cut off, and it's tough. We heard they ended up terminating the contract," he said. Now that the contract has been re-advertised, subcontractors are hopeful the new contractor will reinstate them.
Family still without their promised house
Perhaps those most affected by the failed project are the family members whose eight-room home was demolished to make way for the facility. They were promised a new house, and while construction did begin, it remains unfinished. The family is currently living with their grandparents, a situation that has caused significant discomfort and disruption.
Reckson Mashamba, spokesperson for the Mashamba Traditional Council, said the stadium had been intended to help reduce crime in an area lacking recreational facilities. The community had hoped it would host major sporting events and help stimulate the local economy.
With the project now at a standstill, residents are left questioning whether it will ever be completed. Mashamba said local vendors had looked forward to selling their goods at the facility, but those hopes have faded because of the suspension.
"The situation is really hurting us as we were expecting the project's completion. We were not consulted as a traditional council, and now there is nothing we can do. We only heard about it when they [the contractors] needed soil to fill the stadium," he said.
Muluvhu declined to comment, saying: "This matter forms part of an investigation, and I am not in a position to respond."
A new contractor needs to step in
As for the future of the sports complex, Rathando said the municipality would reassess the project to determine the cost of completion. Remaining work includes completing the sports fields, finalising earthworks, planting grass on the soccer and rugby fields, and installing an irrigation system. Other outstanding tasks include finishing the palisade fencing, electrifying the facility, and completing the ablution blocks, change rooms, plumbing and ceilings.
"The remaining work also includes completing a four-in-one combi court, installing a borehole and a prefab septic tank, constructing a guardhouse, and building an outdoor gym with indigenous games facilities," Rathando said.
He added that the project also included building a five-bedroom house for the displaced family, as well as installing ceilings, fencing, and a pit toilet. Rathando clarified that subcontractors were appointed by the main contractor and that the municipality was not responsible for agreements between contractors and subcontractors or suppliers.
Rathando said that the municipality was not aware of any investigation as claimed by Muluvhu. "Construction will resume once a new contractor is appointed. The tender closed on 4 March 2025," he said.