September 21, 2005
By Buhle Makabane
TLADI'S Butt Hut - a recreation centre for young Sowetans - is sporting a clean, refreshing look following its renovations. It also has more activity rooms, thanks to the City's efforts to deliver better facilities to its communities.
The oddly-named building, one of 10 built in Soweto's Region 6 in the early 70s, is named after a philanthropist known as Mr Butt, who financed the face-brick 'huts'.
Information on Mr Butt is scarce.
"Butt huts are a meeting place for young people; they are popularly known as clubhouses," explained Mandla Mdlalose, the regional manager for sport and recreation.
There are now two buildings in the complex. The original structure has a hall, a boardroom and an office. The new structure incorporates two activity rooms and an ablution block that includes showers. A car park has been added between the two buildings.
The new additions include a fence and the garden has been revamped.
"The hut was renovated to accommodate more users and activities," Mdlalose said.
Work on the butt hut began in February and was completed in July. The refurbishment was done under the auspices of the City's social development cluster, through a mayoral ward allocation, at a cost of R2-million.
"This initiative will help the community in many ways because before there was not enough space," said Nesika Makhubu, the councillor for Ward 21.
New boxing and gym equipment has been also supplied. "The ... donated funds covered the supply of the boxing and gym equipment," Mdlalose explained.
Activities like boxing, gym, aerobics, drama, community meetings and weight lifting programmes are available at the butt hut. Choir rehearsals and church activities are some of the cultural activities.
According to Mdlalose, members of the community, particularly youngsters, would benefit from these activities.
The butt hut is located at 1592 Legwale Street, Tladi, behind the Tladi Clinic.
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