GOOD Statement by Anton Louw ,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
21 November 2024
A Petition started by the GOOD Cape Town Caucus has gained over 5,500 signatures in a week.
As a Party, we are calling on the City of Cape Town to honour its commitment to invest in the Belville Velodrome and Stadium.
After the controversial lease deal (and lengthy legal battle) ended with the Devmet Property Development group, the city budget R8.3 million in 2023/24 to restore the facility, with a further allocation of R17.5 million for 2024/25.
But after spending only R3.3million on minor upgrades and improvements, the city has abandoned the project and scrapped future funds.
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.
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.
The yearly interschool athletics event between the high schools of Bellville, DF Malan, Stellenberg and Tygerberg is one of the largest athletics event in South Africa.
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.
The City of Cape Town, in terms of its own policies and By-Laws has a duty to provide and maintain sports facilities.
With this petition we call on the City of Cape Town to:
• Restore the facility to its fully functional purpose and standard;
• Bring the facility up to legislative standards and capacity so that it will be able to host events where 2,000 plus people are in attendance;
• To give a detailed cost breakdown of what the project will cost and why the city claims it cannot afford to restore the stadium.
Join us in preserving this treasure of our sporting heritage. Sign the petition today!
PETITION LINK: https://www.change.org/p/save-the-bellville-velodrome-and-stadium?recruiter=933576797&recruited_by_id=7bb5ace0-2586-11e9-a2b9-a9978ce6fd70&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page&utm_medium=copylink
FACTS ABOUT THE BELLVILLE VELODROME AND STADIUM:
Built in just nine months, the velodrome was initially developed as part of South Africa’s Olympic bid.
Its acoustically treated interior makes it perfect for concerts, sporting events, and large-scale entertainment.
Opened in 1997, the Bellville Velodrome is one of South Africa’s most iconic indoor arenas, featuring a 250-meter multi-purpose track.
It’s the only indoor cycling track that complies with Olympic standards regarding its length in the African continent.
Global Sporting Prestige
It hosted the World Cycling Federation Championships in 1999 and the UCI Junior World Championships in 2008, putting Bellville on the global cycling map.
Capacity
If restored to its glory, the velodrome can hold up to 7,800 fans for concerts and other events, making it potentially one of Cape Town’s largest indoor venues and the 3rd largest arena in South Africa
Home to Gaming Enthusiasts
The venue was once home to “Organised Chaos,” South Africa’s biggest monthly LAN gaming event.
A Musical Powerhouse
• The Velodrome has welcomed world-famous artists like:
• 2014 Kendrick Lamar, Bruce Springsteen
• 2013 Hardwell
• 2011 Lil Wayne/Youngsta
• 2010 Michael W Smith, Ne-Yo
• 2007 Michael W Smith, Pink, John Cena/Randy Orton/Jeff Hardy
• 2006 Billy Joel, The Parlotones, Jay-Z, Kayne West, David Gray
• 2005 Avril Lavigne, Westlife, R.E.M
• 2004 Usher, Enrique Iglesias/Tamara Day, Limp Bizkit
• 2003 Live, Sinead O’Connor
• 2002 Jamiroquai
• 2000 Sting
• 1999 Alanis Morisette, Sinead O’Connor, Bryan Adams
• 1998 Rodriguez
• 1997 Toto
Media Enquiries :media@forgood.org.za