GOOD Statement by Wesley Neumann,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
26 November 2024
The GOOD Party condemns the City’s imposed confidentiality regarding the future of the Belville Velodrome and Stadium.
The City of Cape Town invited councillors to a Community Services and Health Portfolio Committee workshop ‘where an update would be provided on the Bellville Velodrome Stadium.’
A PC Workshop by its definition, is open to all councillors and members of the public.
As GOOD we have been championing the cause to get the City to honour their commitment to restore the facility.
As is our right, GOOD invited interested stakeholders, Belville Cycle Club, Western Province and Western Cape Cycling Association to join the meeting.
However the Committee chairperson, Ronel Viljoen contacted GOOD to say the workshop is for Portfolio members only, ‘no other councillors or the public’.
The GOOD caucus challenged the legality of this decision.
Just hours before the start of the meeting, the City changed the meeting status to an In Committee Workshop ie not open to the public & no one can divulge what is discussed or resolved.
This is highly unusual for a portfolio committee workshop.
This issue has garnered public interest, with GOOD’s ‘Save the Bellville Velodrome and Stadium’ campaign receiving over 6,000 signatures.
Over the years, the City of Cape Town has neglected its athletics facilities to the point that Green Point is the only one in the Metro that complies with safety requirements.
All of Vygieskraal, Parow, Blue Downs, Mandela Park, Westfleur and Bellville athletics tracks are non-SESRIA compliant and falling into disrepair.
In the last week alone, Western Province Athletics has had to cancel an event because there is no availability at any other facility to host them.
The Belville Velodrome and Stadium was built with public funds and has fallen into disrepair after years of institutional neglect by the City of Cape Town.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis argues that the facility will cost R300-million to restore and the money is better utilised elsewhere.
However, as councillors we are yet to receive a breakdown of how the city reached that estimate.
As GOOD we wanted to propose a phased approach to restoration.
Get it functional and then upgrade over time.
The City’s behaviour regarding the future of the Belville Velodrome and Stadium has been unethical and undemocratic.
The entire process has been devoid of any public participation.
The residents of Cape Town deserve the right to have a say in the future of their facility.
It cannot be left to officials, who have no interest in the facility, to decide for citizens.
For decades, the Bellville Velodrome and Stadium has been more than just a venue; it’s a cornerstone of our vibrant sporting and cultural identity in Cape Town and the Western Cape.
From hosting iconic school athletics events to showcasing a diverse range of sporting codes, this historic institution has united communities, inspired young athletes, and celebrated excellence.
Its removal would leave an irreplaceable void, not just in Cape Town but across the Western Cape, robbing future generations of a space that has shaped countless memories and legacies.
Media Enquiries: media@forgood.org.za