October 10, 2005
By Tshepiso Seopa
ELKAH Sports and Recreation Centre in Rockville, Soweto, is the latest structure in the township to be given a facelift.
After a make over worth R3,6-million, the contractor should be handing over the facility to council officials on Sunday, 23 October, after an inspection of the site has been completed.
"Members of the community put [their demands and needs] to their councillor," said Mandla Mdlalose, the Region 6 manager of sports, recreation and aquatics.
The Elkah centre was indentified as being in need of an upgrade.
"As soon as money is available the councillor distributes funds according to the needs of the community," Mdlalose explained.
The make over included upgrading fences and changing rooms, showers and toilets. Irrigation systems were fixed, new grass was planted and a new administration block was built, Mdlalose said.
The netball fields were refurbished two years ago.
Upkeep is the responsibility of the facility's manager, who will work with a committee selected by members of the community. Maintenance has been outsourced to private companies and City Parks.
"Community members from Rockville are building the facility, and they are paid between R60 and R72 a day," Mdlalose said. "A community liaison officer put an advert in various publications and builders were selected according to their skills."
The Soweto cricket oval would also get a facelift in the near future, he added.
Thabo Michael Moganedi, the centre's manager, said, "Elkah Stadium has been able to assist in getting children away from the streets where it can be unsafe at times.
"School children use the facility every day after school as a playground. The recreation facility has a school holiday programme, and indigenous games are played during school holidays."
The stadium has a soccer programme called Morning Show. Retired players like Tebogo Moloi and Archie Radebe train with aspiring soccer players. Members of the community who want to keep fit can join in.
Teams from the Mvela League have recruited some players from the Morning Show.
"The Morning Show, in my view, is a good idea," Moganedi added. "Experienced players can share their experience with the young players and help boost their confidence."
Hiring the facility costs R120, which also has a bar that can cater for private functions.
The Elkah Sports and Recreation Centre is at 1677/90 Lefatola Street, Rockville. For more information call Thabo Michael Moganedi on 011 984 6553.
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