Clarification On Mis-communication Regarding Funding For The Refurbished Of A.R. ABASS Stadium

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The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has noted with concern recent media reports alleging tha

t an amount of R10 million was made immediately available and constitutes a misrepresentation of facts. Such discommunication appears to stem from inaccurate sources and seems intended to mislead the public and discredit both the Department and the Northern Cape Provincial Administration.

The Department remains firmly committed to restoring the facility to optimal condition to ensure safe, equitable, and sustainable access for all sporting codes and community users. Targeted interventions are being pursued to address identified challenges and improve the overall condition of the infrastructure, enabling the stadium to realise its role as a vibrant hub for sport development and community participation.

A comprehensive condition assessment was finalised. This assessment provides a detailed determination of the full scope of rehabilitation and upgrades required at the facility.

Based on the outcome of this assessment, the Department formally engaged Provincial Treasury to secure funding allocation in the 2026/2027 financial year to support the following:

• Rehabilitation of critical infrastructure;
• Restoration of ablution facilities;
• Upgrading of playing surfaces; and
• Implementation of a structured and sustainable maintenance
• Provincial Treasury has since approved an allocation of R10 million for the refurbishment of the A.R. Abass Stadium. This was formally announced by the MEC for Finance, Venus Blennies-Magage, during the 2026/2027 Budget Speech, where she stated:

“Regular maintenance of our facilities lowers expenses, improves safety, and prolongs their lifespan. As such, an additional amount of R10 million is allocated to the Department to refurbish A.R. Abass Stadium.”

It is important to clarify that this allocation forms part of the 2026/2027 financial year and is not immediately available for urgent upgrades ahead of the National Human Rights Day event.

The next step in the process will be the advertisement of a public tender during the 2026/2027 financial year, in line with all applicable procurement processes and regulations. This is an open, transparent, and regulated process, which by its nature requires time to ensure compliance and fairness.

Therefore, any suggestion that the stadium refurbishment is currently underway or that funds were immediately available for event readiness is misleading and disingenuous. Such allegations and statements are creating a negative perception and bringing our communities into disrepute with the Department.

The Department remains committed to transparency and will continue to provide accurate and timely updates regarding progress on the refurbishment of the A.R. Abass Stadium.