Western Cape sports bodies are up in arms after the City of Cape Town cancelled their inter-school event at the 11th hour at Vygieskraal Stadium.
Western Province High Schools Athletics chairperson, Deon Wertheim, said: “We were informed on Friday that we can no longer use the stadium because the facility is non-compliant.
“This is a City facility that has been unkempt and we represent over 800 schools.”
The City said that in light of the non-compliance with the requirements and time frames, the events permit office will not be issuing a permit, reports Cape Argus.
The fire safety officer has not given any safety clearance, the City added.
The inter-schools event is a two-day event where eight schools will be
competing.
Wertheim said that they cannot find another venue.
“What’s ironic is that the City then contacted us on Saturday and issued a permit, but we had already informed all the schools.”
Bellville Athletics Club vice chairperson Alroy Dixon said: “The City’s just not complying in upgrading and maintaining the facilities and then the stadiums are closed because of security reasons.
“Later the City will say they can no longer manage and sell the facility to private investors.”
Mayco member for community services and health Zahid Badroodien said: “In terms of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, the venue is still in the process of being fitted to meet the regulations. Initial assessment deemed it unsuitable; however, if capacity does not exceed 2000 then it is suitable for use.”
Cape Argus