United chairperson responds to clubhouse violence
The chairman of East Rand United, Marius de Vos, is calling on the Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina to urgently address the issues that led to the destruction of public property.
This comes amid the recent vandalisation of the clubhouse at the Reiger Park sports fields, where East Rand United hosts its home games.
Residents of Joe Slovo informal settlement recently highlighted their frustrations about poor service delivery in the area and allegedly went on the rampage setting the club house alight.
This happened just a few months after it was renovated by United’s sponsor, Phakisa.
De Vos said: “We are appealing to the mayor to speedily resolve all disputes between the two warring communities (Joe Slovo and Reiger Park).
“We firmly believe that destroying public amenities only renders communities worse off and further disadvantages the youth in their pursuit to a career in sport. Resorting to violent behaviour is not a solution.”
The damages could not have come at a worse time for the Valke Peregrine League runners-up, who have the Gold Cup and the Valke Rugby Union Volcano series, which kicks-off as early as January, to prepare for.
The total cost of the damages has not determined.
The municipality echoed De Vos’ views with a statement: “The city continues to plead with residents to refrain from burning council-owned facilities when trying to raise their genuine concerns as this delays the development of the city.
“The city of Ekurhuleni has submitted the arson claim to the insurance office and is still awaiting the response on the issue.”
The sports facility also accommodates cricket teams hailing from Reiger Park, and is home to the newly established hockey club. – @SabeloBoksburg
Also Read: Watch: Protesting Joe Slovo community tired of lack of services
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