​Lerato Mailoane and Tshiamo Diale
On Sunday, the condition of sporting facilities in Tembisa, East Rand, came under focus as residents voiced concerns about limited access and inadequate maintenance.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi led an open and candid discussion with stakeholders, joined by MEC for the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (DSACR) Matome Chiloane, Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, and senior government officials. 
The meeting, held on 31 August 2025 at Rabasotho Hall, addressed these issues as part of the Gauteng Provincial Government's stakeholder engagement on Social Infrastructure.
In his opening remarks, Premier Lesufi emphasised that local community members are the custodians of all social infrastructure and expressed the need for maintenance and improvements to be made to create a lasting impact.
"These are our facilities; we just want to have a smooth way of using these facilities, maintaining them, improving them, and resolving clashes and booking these facilities," said Lesufi, adding that he wants Tembisa to be an example of how sports can change young people.
Concerned resident Brian Ndlovu spoke on the utilisation of vacant land to develop sporting infrastructure that caters to a wide variety of sporting codes.
A senior resident, Ntate Lethole used the occasion to propose the inclusion of the elderly in sports and the design of the facilities. 
"I coach our pensioners in an open field due to the lack of access to community centers, due to rental fees, and as a result, we do our activities outdoors in an inconducive space," said Lethole.
Matshidiso from Phomolong requested budget allocation for the development of the area's sports ground.
The stakeholders continued to raise issues related to boxing, athletics, rugby, netball, and basketball as part of a broader community sporting initiative.
In his closing remarks, Lesufi reaffirmed the collective responsibility to ensure that facilities across Gauteng remain safe, accessible, and empowering spaces for all.
Regarding the Makhulong stadium, the premier said government will investigate whether the area is dolomitic.
"If it isn't, then the province and the municipality will work together to refurbish the facility.
"If community facilities are not used by the community, they risk vandalism by criminals," said Lesufi.
The Premier requested that a meeting be reconvened to provide residents with feedback on their concerns.
He did, however, offer immediate relief for the boxing team, whose equipment had been stolen from their gym, by instructing the DSACR MEC to replace it.
"We will work on the booking fees; it hurts me that the elderly don't have a space they can utilise."
He promised to follow up on this and other issues and to hold a meeting on Wednesday, 10 September, to provide the sports formations with feedback.