Concerns over Makwala Sports Complex location

Together with its Patron Mr Isaac Makwala, the Makwala Challenge Cup which represents festive tournaments from all the five wards in Tutume, has been following with great concern the recent developments in Tutume regarding the construction of the Makwala Sports Complex as was budgeted for this financial year. Following reports of disagreements on where the sport facility was to be located in Tutume, it appears a decision was then taken by Government that the funds that were to be used for the sports complex be transferred to another village pending the resolution of the facility location in Tutume.

What this means is that the project will not go on this year as was initially anticipated. The Makwala Challenge Cup learns that the funds can only be availed once the village has settled for a location for the sports complex to be built. Unfortunately this can only be in the next financial year. This means another year without this important facility. In view of the current Covid-19 pandemic, we (Tutume residents) risk being told next year that most projects including this one have been deferred. As the Makwala Challenge Cup, we are worried about this development which could have been avoided. We therefore, appeal for the following:

a.     That as Tutume residents we should always focus on the bigger picture and bury our heads in unity for developments that stand to benefit us all as will the Makwala Sports Complex.

b.     That as Tutume residents, we should as a matter of urgency settle for any suitable place for this facility provided it is in Tutume.

c.     That the village leadership, being Dikgosi, MP and Councilors, should stand together and support a common location in Tutume in order that the preparatory process could immediately be commenced.

d.     That the MP Hon. Dr Never Tshabang together with the council, should follow up this issue and ensure that the funds are availed for the project to commence in the next financial year beginning April 2021.

e.     That regular updates be made to the people of Tutume and all other critical stakeholders about progress on this matter from now till the completion of the project.

The Makwala Challenge Cup is alive to the great value that will be brought by this facility to the village of Tutume and will thus keep an eye on this issue until the project is completed. We will thus engage the village leadership together with responsible government departments to ensure that this facility sees the light of day.

The Makwala Challenge Cup is made up of four tournaments in Tutume being Goledzwa Football tournament, Tjinyuni babili Football tournament, Tjivulamagwe Football tournament and Tjilagwane Football tournament. The Makwala Challenge Cup, whose patron is Isaac Makwala, came about because of the extra ordinary performance of Isaac Makwala at the 2017 World Athletes competitions in which Isaac Makwala made our country proud by running alone and winning despite the negative treatment he was given. Residents of Tutume involved with festive tournaments then decided to honour Isaac Makwala by designating 30 December of every year as a Makwala day in Tutume in which all football tournaments converge in one area and play against each other.

The Makwala Challenge has already made a mark in Tutume since its establishment four years ago. Following its three editions, the Makwala Challenge Cup has already made donations of sport equipment to all the 6 primary schools, the 2 junior secondary schools in Tutume, Tutume McConnel College and has donated 50 pillows to Tutume Primary Hospital.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully

SIGNED:

Christopher Nyanga

Publicity Secretary – Makwala Challenge Cup

Cc: Deputy District commissioner – Tutume Sub District

       Council Chairman – Tutume Sub District

       Kgosi ya kgaolo ya Tutume

       MP for Nkange