It's finally all systems go for the eagerly awaited state-of-the-art indoor sports centre in Extension 6.
It's finally all systems go for the eagerly awaited state-of-the-art indoor sports centre in Extension 6.
Opening of the new centre has been plagued by ongoing delays, with both the municipality and the construction company continuously revising its opening date. According to site manager Imraan Van Wyk, this was due to highly specialised materials that needed to be imported from overseas, as well as unfavourable weather conditions.
But the wait is almost over and the centre's doors will be opened at an official launch during a visit from the Premier's Executive Committee towards the end of this month. Makana Municipality spokesperson Mncedisi Boma said, "I can confirm that we've received the keys to the site and the construction company has vacated the site."
The Premier will cut the ribbon during her visit from 25 to 27 September.
The majestic R33-million building is a sight for sore eyes and has become a prominent feature that has given the surrounding township a face-lift. The facility boasts a basket ball court, hand ball and volley ball sections and boxing room, including a hall, administration block, training block, stage and backstage area.
The soon-to-be-named centre, currently referred to as the Node 2 multi-purpose sport centre, is also set to host a district sports academy among other things.
The academy is a joint exercise by the Eastern Cape Department of Sports, Recreation Arts and Culture and Makana Municipality to identify and nurture sport talent in the Cacadu District.
Deputy director of the provincial department, Zwelinzima Nkwinti, said boxing would be prioritised.
"We've already bought all the necessary equipment including a boxing ring, punching bags, gloves, gum shields and other training gear because the Eastern Cape is the home of boxing," Nkwinti said.
Other sport codes will also be catered for. Nkwinti said plans were already in place to build an athletics track at Miki Yili stadium, which will be linked to the academy.
The academy's role, Nkwinti said, would include identifying individuals who excel in sport from all over the Cacadu District, coaching them and supporting them on aspects such as diet and physiotherapy.
