GOOD Statement by Roscoe Palm
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
20 November 2024
The GOOD Party calls on the City of Cape Town to ensure all fans, regardless of the sport they love, can access the City’s stadium safely and conveniently.
This issue is about more than transport; it is about fairness, inclusivity, and making Cape Town’s inner city and world-class facilities accessible to everyone.
Last night, Cape Town experienced a historic and electrifying moment as Bafana Bafana graced the DHL Stadium for the first time in nine years.
The atmosphere was unmatched, and it was a proud moment for our city to showcase itself as a world-class host for the African Cup of Nations qualification match.
While we celebrate the on-field success, we must reflect on how we, as a city, can improve the off-field experience for all.
One of the critical challenges faced by many fans last night was the lack of additional MyCiTi bus services.
While the South African Rugby Union (SARU) ensures this vital service for rugby events, soccer fans were left without the same support, placing an unfair burden on them.
Many had to endure long waits, walk considerable distances, and deal with unnecessary logistical frustrations, dampening the joy of what should have been a memorable evening.
In Cape Town, we continue to grapple with perceptions about sport and its audiences.
Local soccer, often seen as a sport for “black” communities, has not received the same institutional and logistical support as local rugby, which is historically associated with “white” audiences.
This disparity is no longer acceptable.
Last night’s event proved that soccer enjoys massive, passionate support in Cape Town, and it is time we prioritised equity in how we support and facilitate access to all sports.
The City of Cape Town has both the power and the responsibility to ensure that all events at the DHL Stadium are inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.
This can be achieved by including mandatory provisions for safe and efficient public transport in licensing agreements with event organisers.
While rail services stepped up last night by providing additional trains, the absence of enhanced MyCiTi bus services was a glaring omission.
Soccer fans should not have to wait another nine years for Bafana Bafana to return to Cape Town.
Regularly hosting the national team and other major soccer events would send a powerful message of unity and inclusivity.
The GOOD party calls on the City of Cape Town and the South African Football Association (SAFA) to collaborate in creating a fair and equitable experience for soccer fans.
By addressing these transport and logistical challenges, we can ensure that future events are not only successful but accessible and enjoyable for all.
Let us make this city a welcoming home for all sports, their fans, and their communities.
Media Enquiries:media@forgood.org.za