The future of the Van der Stel sports grounds remains unclear following its recent custodianship by Stellenbosch Football Club (SFC), which was approved by the Stellenbosch Municipality on 31 March, according to Pieter Lotz, chairperson of the Van der Stel executive committee. PHOTO: Kobus Erasmus
The Van der Stel executive committee is concerned that multiple sporting codes might lose access to the Van der Stel sports grounds, following a recent announcement that Stellenbosch Football Club (SFC) will operate the grounds for the next 30 years.
This is according to Pieter Lotz, chairperson of the Van der Stel executive committee.
SFC’s bid to operate and maintain the Van der Stel sports grounds was accepted by Stellenbosch Municipality on 31 March, according to Stuart Grobbelaar, communications manager for Stellenbosch Municipality, in correspondence with SMF News.
Van der Stel will still be owned by Stellenbosch Municipality after the 30-year lease ends, according to a press statement by SFC.
“This investment will not only transform the complex into a world-class sports facility, but will also benefit the local community,” said Grobbelaar. “This lease agreement represents a win-win situation for the town, its residents, and the future of sport in Stellenbosch.”
The deal will see SFC invest R395 million into the Van der Stel complex within the next five years, said Grobbelaar.
The proposed development plans include a 5 000-person capacity football stadium, a sports high school and residence, and a multi-storey parking lot, according to SFC’s press statement.
The Van der Stel sports grounds currently accommodate 22 different sporting codes, according to Robin Hendrikse, GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality councillor, in correspondence with SMF News. PHOTO: Kobus Erasmus
Van der Stel’s uncertain future
However, it is unclear whether the multiple sporting codes currently making use of the Van der Stel sports grounds will be allowed to continue on the grounds in the future, according to Lotz.
“We have no confirmation whether there will be accommodation for any other sports besides football […] but the suspicion is that it won’t leave much room for other sports,” he said. “I believe that we will meet with the management of Stellenbosch FC soon, so that we can figure out what the road forward is.”
The proposed plans for the Van der Stel sports grounds include a 5 000-person capacity football stadium, a sports high school and residence, and a multi-storey parking lot. This is according to a press release by Stellenbosch Football Club (SFC). PHOTO: Kobus Erasmus
Community pushback
A petition by the Van der Stel Sports Club, initially sent out in February, voiced concerns surrounding an alleged lack of transparency of the use of the facility and the impact the custodianship will have on different sports codes. The petition was signed by 1 347 people at the time of publishing.
On 2 April, the GOOD party released a statement via Facebook opposing the 30 year lease, citing concerns over the possibility that it could affect Stellenbosch’s transport infrastructure.
“Van der Stel has a rich sporting history, catering for 22 different sports,” said Robin Hendrikse, GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality councillor, in correspondence with SMF News. “[Stellenbosch] FC is only focusing on soccer, and they only made room for tennis and [bowls]. What’s happening to the other 19 sports?”
SFC had not responded to SMF News by time of publishing.