Phase 1 of the R32 million upgrade at Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha completed.
The Recreation and Parks Department has completed Phase 1 of the R32 million upgrade at Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha, with the athletics track now complete, marking a significant milestone in improving local sports infrastructure. Work on Phase 2 is under way, with further improvements planned to enhance the stadium’s facilities, accessibility, and safety ahead of the opening for the upcoming athletics season.
The first phase focused on resurfacing the stadium’s synthetic athletics track and upgrading the long jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put and hammer throw areas. The City also repaired the stadium roof, columns, and access ramps.
The athletics track is now complete, with seating installation currently under way. The new seating will bring a bright, colourful look to the stadium, like that of the upgraded Blue Downs Athletics Track.
The remaining work under Phase 2 includes improvements to lighting, paving, and ablution facilities.
The Recreation and Parks Department is targeting completion of Phase 2 in time for the upcoming athletics season.
‘The project represents a significant investment in sports facilities serving Khayelitsha and the broader community. This upgrade is about more than improving a stadium. It is about investing in our communities and creating better opportunities for athletes, particularly young people, to develop their talents.
‘Our schools, local athletics clubs and aspiring athletes deserve quality facilities where they can train, compete and reach their full potential. We are pleased to have completed the first phase and to see the second phase progressing. These improvements will help ensure that Mandela Park Stadium is better equipped to serve the community and support athletics for years to come,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
The athletics grading submission has already been lodged, and work continues towards compliance with the requirements of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (SASREA).
The Mandela Park Stadium upgrade forms part of the City’s broader investment in community sports infrastructure at athletics facilities with Blue Downs and Wesfleur already completed and achieving World Athletics Class Two Certififcation, with Mandela Park completed to the same level.
