Dolomites field unused and vandalised

Dolomites Sports Field has stood abandoned and vandalised since 2015, with no formal sporting activity taking place for nearly a decade.

Ricklon Thomas, 30, a resident of Tafelsig and member of Tafelzucht Football Club, said in the past he would use the field regularly. “This was one of the best fields growing up. After the former community member stopped looking after the field, it deteriorated,” he told the Plainsman on Thursday May 22.

Mr Thomas cited several issues currently affecting the field. “There is so much dumping happening, people sleeping on the field at times and even some bodies were found on the field. There is no fencing to protect the field as it was stolen,” he said. “Something needs to happen, it’s for the community.”

SAPS did not respond to queries by the time of publication.

Paul Daniels, chairperson of the Dolomites Municipal Facility Management Committee (MFMC) and resident of Tafelsig, said gang violence and lack of oversight contributed to the condition of the facility. Mr Daniels is also the founder of the Tafelsig West Sports Association, which was established in 2010.

He said a decision was made between 2016 and 2017 to suspend use of the field due to safety concerns. “Which was our biggest mistake, this was out of our control due to violence and crime,” he said.

According to Mr Daniels, the field lacks basic infrastructure. “There are no toilets and no water facilities. When security got taken away it went from bad to worse. At night people in the community would steal and take those materials, no neighbourhood watch patrolled there,” he said.

Mr Daniels added that the facility's current condition prevents the organisation of sporting events. “We can’t organise soccer or netball because of this issue. It was too much to do this on my own. I have engaged with all these people. It is very difficult. We don’t mind doing the work or dirty work but nothing is coming from the City as they fail us.”

He said he has been working on the issue for more than 15 years. “I am not new to this situation. I am just trying to make a difference in the community and for the children,” he said.

The MFMC and the City of Cape Town are scheduled to meet next week to discuss the status of the facility. “We can only do so much from our side as what we do is voluntary as we do not get paid,” said Mr Daniels.

Mr Daniels said some teams continue to play on the field. “Sometimes teams play Sunday leagues which is unlawful but because the field is open they make use of it.”

He also noted previous cooperation with the late Ward 82 councillor Sheval Arendse. “When Mr Arendse was alive, he helped me get the lights up, we’d play night games. The lights and underground cabling are stolen.”

City of Cape Town spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo confirmed that the Recreation and Parks Department plans to reinstate the field in the upcoming financial year.

“Mowing of the facility is conducted twice a month in accordance with the City’s maintenance schedule,” said Mr Tyhalibongo. “The Recreation and Parks Department is currently engaging with the City’s Solid Waste Department for assistance and the City’s Law Enforcement Department for a safety inspection.”

Mr Tyhalibongo said the City values community partnerships for maintaining open spaces and confirmed the MFMC remains active.

The public may contact the department at RP.Enquiries@capetown.gov.za. Incidents of vandalism and illegal dumping may be reported by calling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.